MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BATHING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/635,244 filed Apr. 17, 2024, titled “MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BATHING DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to bathing devices, and more particularly relate to a multi-functional bathing device having a washcloth and a loofah.

BACKGROUND

Personal hygiene is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In particular, showering or bathing are important components to a personal hygiene regimen and includes washing the hair and skin. Washing the skin is important for removing odor-causing bacteria as well as maintaining healthy skin. While washing the skin, water (and often soap or detergent) is applied to the skin.

Many shower accessories exist to aid in cleaning the skin. For example, washcloths, shower puffs, loofahs, sponges, pumice stones, etc. are used to clean and, in some cases exfoliate the skin. These accessories are used depending on the user's preferences and may be used in tandem to provide various benefits. During use, the user will apply the soap or detergent to their skin or onto the shower accessory itself such that the soap or detergent is transferred to their skin. The shower accessory is then used to spread the soap or detergent over the skin, and in some cases, offer the dual function of exfoliating the skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to a multi-functional bathing device, including a first side constructed of a washcloth material and a second side constructed of a loofah-like material. A string is sliding engaged with a perimeter to permit the user to pull the string and create a cavity to retain a soap or a detergent therein. The device is configured to be selectively configured as a washcloth, a shower puff, or a loofah to apply and spread the soap or the detergent to the skin while bathing.

The device provides an efficient means of applying soap or detergent while bathing. The multi-functional surfaces of the device allow the user to clean and exfoliate the skin using a single bathing accessory, thus reducing the number of accessories which are stored in the shower, bathtub, or other bathing area.

In one aspect, the washcloth configuration is defined as the first side and the second side each having planar surfaces.

In one aspect, the shower puff configuration is defined as the first side or the second side forming the cavity to retain the soap therein.

In one aspect, the device includes a third material bonded to the second material. The third material provides a textured surface, similar to a loofah.

In one aspect, the soap is placed on the first side to provide the textured surface to the shower puff configuration.

In one aspect, the soap is placed on the second side to provide a smooth surface to the shower puff configuration.

In one aspect, the first and/or second materials are absorbent to allow for the absorption of soap, water, detergent, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a first side of the multi-functional bathing device in a washcloth configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of a second side of the multi-functional bathing device in a washcloth configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-functional bathing device and a bar of soap placed on the first side, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-functional bathing device, wherein a user is pulling a string to create a shower puff having a bar of soap being retained within a cavity of the shower puff, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-functional bathing device in a shower puff configuration, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to a multi-functional bathing device (which may be referred to herein simply as “device” or “the device”) which is able to be easily configured in various forms. The multi-functional bathing device may be configured as a washcloth, shower puff, or loofah. The device may be configured to hold a bar of soap or detergent such that it may be efficiently transferred to the skin while bathing.

In some embodiments, the device include a first side constructed of a washcloth material and a second side constructed of a loofah or loofah-like material. A string extends along the washcloth material which can be pulled to form a loofah, shower puff, and/or loofah-like surface. The string, once pulled, tightens the perimeter of the device to form an interior cavity which retains the soap or detergent.

The multi-functional bathing device may be constructed using various materials, such as cloth, textiles, rubbers, plastics, natural materials, artificial materials, etc. which are commonly used for washcloths, loofahs, shower puffs, and other personal hygiene devices. The device may be constructed having combinations of materials, allowing the user to select a material which is most suitable when bathing. Materials may have varying abrasives which provide a means of selecting the texture the user wishes to utilize. For example, one side or a portion of the device may be constructed of a less abrasive (i.e., a smooth) texture and material, while another side or portion of the device may be constructed of a more abrasive texture or material. Similarly, the materials used may be absorbent to sufficiently absorb water and cleaning products (i.e., soap). Alternatively, the materials, or a portion thereof may be water repellant or water resistant if desired by the user.

One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the shape, color, size, materials, and configuration of the multi-functional bathing device can be altered based on the user's needs and is not limited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first side 10 of the multi-functional bathing device 100 in a washcloth configuration 101. The first side 10 may include a first material 103 having a smooth texture which may function similar to a washcloth. The surface 105 of the first material 103 may have absorbent and minimally abrasive properties. A string 107 extends from an opening 109. The string extends through a channel 111 around the perimeter defining edges 113,115,117,119 of the device 100. The channel 111 is formed by stitching 112 (or other means of bonding, connecting, or otherwise attaching) the first side 10 with the second side 20 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-functional bathing device 100. A first layer 121 defines the first side 10 of the device 100, while a second layer 123 defines the second side 20 (see FIG. 2) of the device 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second side 20 of the multi-functional bathing device 100 in a washcloth configuration 101. The second side 20 may include a second material 201 defining the second layer 123 of the device 100. The second side 20 may include a third material 203 which is connected to the second surface 205 of the second side 20. The third material 203 may be ruffled, ridged, folded, or similarly configured to increase surface area and to provide a textured surface 207 to the second side 20 of the device 100. In such, the user can selectively use the first side 10 (see FIG. 1) or second side 20 based on their preference. The second side 20 is used to form the exterior of the shower puff which is shown and described in FIGS. 4-5.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2, the string 107 may include a tab 250 which is slidingly engaged to the string 107. The tab 250 may include a securing mechanism 251 to secure the tab 250 in a fixed position along the length of the string 107. This allow the user to selectively configure the multi-functional bathing device 100 in the washcloth configuration 101 (see FIGS. 1-2), or the shower puff configuration 400 (see FIGS. 4-5).

In some embodiments, the washcloth configuration 101 is defined as the first surface and the second surface each forming a planar surface, such that the device lies flat when placed on a flat surface or such that the device may hang vertically.

FIG. 3 illustrates the multi-functional bathing device 100 and a bar of soap 300 placed on the first side 10. Alternatively, it is to be understood that the soap 300 may be positioned on the second side, depending on the user's preferences.

In some embodiments, the user may utilize a liquid or gel soap rather than using the bar of soap 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. In such, the user may apply the soap to the device 100 and then form the shower puff as described herein. Alternatively, the user may forgo the use of soap and use the device 100 as an abrasive while bathing. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the device 100 may have various use-cases throughout the user's personal hygiene routine and is not limited to use as a means of applying a soap or detergent. Further, the device 100 may not necessarily be used for personal hygiene and may be used as a cleaning tool, such as a cleaning tool for household items, dishes, vehicles, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates the multi-functional bathing device 100 wherein a user 40 is pulling a string 107 to create a shower puff 400 (also referred to as the “shower puff configuration) having a bar of soap 300 being retained within a cavity 401 of the shower puff 400. The cavity 401 is formed by pulling the string 107 to cause a cinch 403 and thus reduce the length of the perimeter 405 of the device 100. The perimeter 405 forms an edge of an opening 407 which may allow the user to remove and replace the soap 300 as necessary. If a tab (as shown in FIG. 2) is provided, the user may slide the tab along the length of the string 107 to selectively form the washcloth and shower puff configurations.

In some embodiments, the shower puff configuration 400 may be defined as the first surface or the second surface forming a cavity wherein the bar of soap is retained. In such, the exterior of the shower puff 400 is rounded due to the reduction of the perimeter caused by the user pulling the string. This forms a rounded surface caused by the soap being retained within the cavity.

FIG. 5 illustrates the multi-functional bathing device in an alternative shower puff configuration 500 wherein the soap has been placed on the second side of the device 100. In such, rather than the shower puff having a textured surface on its exterior as shown in FIG. 4, the shower puff has a smooth surface 501. This provides the user with additional functionalities which are provided by the device 100.

The textured surface 207 may be described as a loofah-like material, or other material having a different texture than the smooth surface 501. The smooth surface 501 may be described as a washcloth material, or similar smooth material when compared to the textured surface 207 of the second side.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.