US20200237165A1

US20200237165A1 - Shower Scrub

Info

Publication number: US20200237165A1
Application number: US16/774,052
Authority: US
Inventors: Bernadette Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-28
Publication date: 2020-07-30

Abstract

A shower scrub. The shower scrub includes a porous body having an upper opening providing access to a central cavity. The device further includes a reservoir having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior volume. The reservoir is disposed within the central cavity. The interior volume is in fluid communication with the porous body via a plurality of apertures disposed through the sidewall. A cleansing fluid is disposed within the interior volume and can be dispensed through the plurality of apertures when external pressure is applied to the porous body, such that the cleansing fluid permeates the porous body.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/918,472 filed on Jan. 30, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shower scrubs. More particularly, the present invention pertains to shower scrubs having an internal reservoir configured to receive cleansing fluid therein, wherein the cleansing fluid is dispersed through the porous body from the reservoir when the porous body is squeezed.
Many people use scrubbing devices, such as loofahs and washcloths, when bathing in order to fully clean themselves. Typically, soap, in either liquid or bar form, is applied separately to the scrubbing device. Bar soap, particularly, can be frustrating to apply to a scrubbing device as it becomes especially difficult to handle when wet. Additionally, generating an appropriate lather can require significant effort. Liquid soap often results in waste as individuals typically dispense more than is necessary to clean themselves. Over time, sufficient waste can become costly. Therefore, a device that allows a user to easily and efficiently dispense a measured quantity of soap onto a scrubbing device 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 shower scrubs. 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 shower scrubs now present in the known art, the present invention provides a shower scrub wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when dispensing cleansing fluid through the porous body of the shower scrub from an internal reservoir.
The present system comprises a porous body having an upper opening therein, the upper opening providing access to a central cavity. A reservoir having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, thereby defining an interior volume is disposed within the central cavity. The interior volume is in fluid communication with the porous body via a plurality of apertures disposed through the sidewall. A cleansing fluid disposed within the interior volume can be dispensed through the plurality of apertures when external pressure is applied to the porous body, such that the cleansing fluid permeates the porous body. In some embodiments, the porous body comprises a rippled exterior configured to provide a gripping surface to a user, the rippled exterior having a plurality of grooves to increase frictional engagement with a user.
In other embodiments, the porous body comprises a sponge. In another embodiment, the porous body comprises a plurality of mesh layers, similar to a loofah. In either embodiment, the porous body is configured to allow cleansing fluid dispensed from the reservoir to permeate the porous body to mix with water, such that a user can scrub the porous body against themselves to clean.
In some embodiments, a cap is removably securable within the open upper end, such that the interior volume is selectively closeable. In some such embodiments, the cap comprises a lower portion removably securable within the open upper end, the lower portion having an aperture therethrough, and an upper portion hingedly affixed to the lower portion and configured to frictionally engage within the aperture of the lower portion. In this way, the cap can remain affixed to the reservoir when the upper portion is removed, thereby preventing the cap from being misplaced. In another embodiment, the cap is configured for threaded engagement within the open upper end. In another embodiment, a ring is disposed on the cap, wherein a lanyard is affixed to the ring.
In other embodiments, the reservoir is removably securable within the central cavity, thereby allowing a user to conveniently refill the reservoir. In another embodiment, the reservoir comprises a flexible tubular structure having a semi-spherical closed lower end. In this manner, the reservoir can be flexed to drive cleansing fluid stored within the interior volume through the plurality of apertures.

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 shower scrub.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower scrub.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the shower scrub.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the reservoir of an embodiment of the shower scrub.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cap of an embodiment of the shower scrub.

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 shower scrub. 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 shower scrub. The shower scrub 11 comprises a porous body 12 having a reservoir 15 therein, wherein the reservoir 15 is configured to store a cleansing fluid therein, such as a liquid soap. The porous body 12 is contemplated to include a variety of materials allowing cleansing fluid from the reservoir 15 to permeate the porous body 12 to promote lather generation, such as a plurality of mesh layers similar to a loofah, a sponge, or the like. A cap 22 is removably securable within the reservoir 15 to prevent the cleansing fluid from exiting the reservoir during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir is removably securable within the porous body 12, and the cap 22 is removably securable within an open upper end of the reservoir 15. Upon external pressure being applied to the porous body 12, the reservoir 15 dispenses a measured quantity of cleansing fluid therefrom into the porous body 12, allowing a user to readily apply cleansing fluid to the porous body 12. In this manner, the user is provided convenience as separate soap options are not required, nor does the user need to exert significant effort in generating a lather.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there are shown perspective views of various embodiments of the shower scrub. Various porous body 12 embodiments are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the porous body 12 comprises a plurality of mesh layers distributed about a central cavity 14. The plurality of mesh layers is configured to overlap ensuring increase surface area in contact with a user when the porous body 12 is used to scrub the user. In this manner, the plurality of mesh layers aid in exfoliation while the mesh material further aids in the development of a lather. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, the porous body 12 comprises a sponge material having a rippled exterior. The rippled exterior provides additional surface area for increased frictional engagement, such that a user can more easily grip the shower scrub. In the shown embodiment, the rippled exterior defines a plurality of grooves between a plurality of ridges, wherein each of the plurality of grooves is configured to receive a finger of the user therein. In this manner, the user is ensured a solid grip on the porous body 12, even in wet and soapy conditions.
An upper opening 13 in the porous body 12 provides access to the central cavity 14. The central cavity 14 extends through the porous body 12 and is configured to receive the reservoir therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the central cavity 14 is defined by a tubular structure having a plurality of apertures therethrough. In such embodiments, the cleansing fluid within the reservoir is dispensed through a plurality of apertures through each of the central cavity 14 and the reservoir. In alternate embodiments, the central cavity 14 comprises a channel through the porous body 12 defined by the same material as the porous body 12. In such embodiments, the cleansing fluid is dispensed through the porous body 12 immediately upon exiting the plurality of apertures through the reservoir. The porous body 12 is compressible, such that when external pressure is applied to the porous body 12, the central cavity 14 deforms exerting pressure on the reservoir therein, such that cleansing fluid within the reservoir is forced into and through the porous body 12.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the reservoir of an embodiment of the shower scrub. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 15 comprises a generally tubular container having an open upper end 16 opposite a closed lower end 17 having a sidewall 18 extending therebetween, thereby defining an interior volume. A cleansing fluid, such as soap, can be placed within the interior volume to be dispensed therefrom. In this manner, the reservoir 15 can be easily refillable to allow a user to replace additional cleansing fluid within the interior volume when the interior volume is emptied. A plurality of apertures 20 are disposed through the sidewall 18, wherein the plurality of apertures 20 are configured to dispense cleansing fluid within the interior volume therethrough when the reservoir 15 is compressed via external pressure. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of apertures 20 are disposed in a plurality of offset columns such that the cleansing fluid is evenly distributed throughout the porous body when dispensed through the plurality of apertures 20. In some embodiments, the reservoir 15 is removably securable within the porous body such that a user can readily remove the reservoir 15 for refilling.
In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 15 comprises a flexible material capable of deforming inwardly when external pressure is applied thereto, such that cleansing fluid within the interior volume is displaced by the sidewall 18. Once compressed, the displaced cleansing fluid exits through the plurality of apertures 20 to wick through the porous body. In the shown embodiment, the closed lower end 17 comprises a semi-spherical shape. In this manner, the sidewall 18 is capable of flexing inwardly towards the interior volume evenly from all angles while maintaining the form of the closed lower end 17 to minimize cleansing fluid forced towards the open upper end 16.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the cap of an embodiment of the shower scrub. The cap is removably securable within the open upper end of the reservoir. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap comprises a lower portion 23 hingedly affixed to an upper portion 25, wherein the upper portion 25 is removably securable to the lower portion 23. In some embodiments, the lower portion 23 engages within the open upper end of the reservoir via threaded engagement therewith. In the shown embodiment, the lower portion 23 includes a flange 24 therearound, wherein the flange 24 rests flush against a complementary flange disposed about the upper portion 25 when the cap is in a closed position. An opening is disposed through the lower portion 23 to provide access to the interior volume of the reservoir. In some embodiments, a lip disposed on a lower surface of the upper portion 25 frictionally engages within the opening, whereas in the illustrated embodiment, a lip extending about a perimeter of the opening frictionally engages within the upper portion 25 when the cap is in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, a ring 26 is disposed on the upper portion 25, wherein the ring 26 is configured to receive a lanyard 27 therethrough. In this manner, the lanyard 27 allows a user to hang the shower scrub from a desired surface when not in use. Alternatively, the lanyard 27 is configured to secure the shower scrub about a user's wrist, thereby preventing the user from dropping the shower scrub when in use.
In one use, a user fills the reservoir with a desired cleansing solution and secures the cap over the open upper end thereof. The user can then secure the reservoir within the porous body via the upper opening thereof. Upon squeezing the porous body, the reservoir is deformed forcing the cleansing fluid to be dispensed through the plurality of apertures and into the porous body. In this manner, the user can dispense a measured amount of cleansing fluid, thereby minimizing waste thereof. Once the cleansing fluid is fully dispersed through the porous body, the use can apply the shower scrub to an area to be cleaned and scrub to produce a lather. Once clean, the user can hang the shower scrub from the lanyard for storage and to aid in drying the shower scrub between uses.
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

I claim:

1. A shower scrub, comprising:

a porous body having an upper opening therein providing access to a central cavity;

a reservoir having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, thereby defining an interior volume;

wherein the reservoir is disposed within the central cavity;

wherein the interior volume is in fluid communication with the porous body via a plurality of apertures disposed through the sidewall;

wherein a cleansing fluid disposed within the interior volume is dispensed through the plurality of apertures when external pressure is applied to the porous body, such that the cleansing fluid permeates the porous body.

2. The shower scrub of claim 1, wherein the porous body comprises a sponge.

3. The shower scrub of claim 1, wherein the porous body comprises a plurality of mesh layers.

4. The shower scrub of claim 1, further comprising a cap removably securable within the open upper end.

5. The shower scrub of claim 4, wherein the cap comprises a lower portion removably securable within the open upper end, the lower portion having an opening therethrough, and an upper portion hingedly affixed to the portion and configured to frictionally engage about the opening of the lower portion.

6. The shower scrub of claim 4, wherein the cap is configured for threaded engagement within the open upper end.

7. The shower scrub of claim 4, further comprising a ring disposed on the cap, wherein a lanyard is affixed to the ring.

8. The shower scrub of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is removably securable within the central cavity.

9. The shower scrub of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible tubular structure having a semi-spherical closed lower end.

10. A shower scrub, comprising:

wherein the porous body comprises a rippled exterior configured to provide a gripping surface;

wherein the reservoir is disposed within the central cavity;

11. The shower scrub of claim 10, wherein the porous body comprises a sponge.

12. The shower scrub of claim 10, wherein the porous body comprises a plurality of mesh layers.

13. The shower scrub of claim 10, further comprising a cap removably securable within the open upper end.

14. The shower scrub of claim 13, wherein the cap comprises a lower portion removably securable within the open upper end, the lower portion having an opening therethrough, and an upper portion hingedly affixed to the lower portion and configured to frictionally engage about the opening of the lower portion.

15. The shower scrub of claim 13, wherein the cap is configured for threaded engagement within the open upper end.

16. The shower scrub of claim 13, further comprising a ring disposed on the cap, wherein a lanyard is affixed to the ring.

17. The shower scrub of claim 10, wherein the reservoir is removably securable within the central cavity.

18. The shower scrub of claim 10, wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible tubular structure having a semi-spherical closed lower end.