SURFACE MOUNTED BACK SCRUBBER

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 63/669,756, filed on Jul. 11, 2024.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of personal hygiene devices and, specifically to shower stalls and bath tub back scrubbers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The problems associated with the effective and efficient cleaning of one's own back in the shower or while taking a bath is a common one. Most people find it difficult to clean all the areas of the back. Attempts to reach around the back for this are usually not successful and thus result in less than effective cleaning.

A variety of cleaning tools and devices have been used to address this situation, including back brushes and certain wall, shower, and surface mounted scrubbers. However, none of these provide adequate back cleaning solutions. Manual back brushes also do not allow for reaching all areas of the back. Current wall mounted scrubbers are ineffective as they are prone to constant detachment during the cleaning activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a surface mounted back scrubber device which addresses the disadvantages and limitations of prior such devices.

This object is accomplished by the present invention, a surface mounted back scrubber device having a plurality of cleaning or scrubbing elements, e.g. loofah or sponge members, attached to a flat supporting base having a top surface, an under surface, and an outer rim which extends outwardly from and completely circumscribes the base. A plurality of square shaped suction modules are attached to and are positioned on the under surface of the base. Each of the suction modules has a pedestal member extending from a lip which surrounds and extends outward from the pedestal member. The outer rim and the lip of each module has a layer of polyurethane silicone gel. Each suction module and the outer rim provide a suction force on the surface of a shower wall or bathtub surface when the back scrubber is positioned against these surfaces to attach and maintain it on the surfaces, without slippage. The polyurethane silicon gel layers on the lip of each suction module and on the outer rim provide additional adhesion to attach to and maintain the back scrubber on the surfaces.

The square shaped suction modules extending from the bottom of the support base are designed to exceed the suction and adhering capabilities of prior suction elements, and with less effort. They solve the problem of suction members falling off surfaces to which they were designed to adhere. On the other hand, the straight edges of the lips of each module of the present invention provide a greater suction than prior suction members with curved edges. In this respect alone, the square shaped modules are superior to circular suction cup elements. The straight edges and four corners of the modules, as opposed to the curved edges of prior suction elements, create a wall of force against slippage and movement. The layer of polyurethane silicon gel which is added to the lips of the suction modules and the outer rim of the base are additional features which add to solving this slippage problem.

The suction modules themselves are made of a semi-sticky silicone composition which provides added gripping. It is contemplated that each module will be between ½″ to ⅝″ square, but the invention is not to be considered restricted to these dimensions. The outer rim around the support base is also made of semi-sticky silicon material to provide additional back scrubber suction.

There is and will continue to be a focus on sustainability in the production of the back scrubber of the present invention. The target is for this device to be made from biodegradable plastic like TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or natural rubber. Both materials are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic bathmats made from PVC. TPE is a type of rubber that can be made from renewable resources and is better for the planet as it is more biodegradable than plastics like PVC. Natural rubber, which is derived from Hevea trees, is a plant-based material that is biodegradable and compostable. Compostable rubber exists primarily in the form of natural rubber or rubber blends designed for decompose in composting environments, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic rubber. This product and the aforementioned components or other plastic components are found to be best for the back scrubber.

This back scrubber will also include antimicrobial additives which prove to be safe for consumers. Antimicrobial additives for plastics are compounds added during manufacturing to inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and mold on the plastic surface. These additives can be organic, inorganic, or natural and work by interfering with the microbial cell's function or metabolism. The antimicrobial additives used may include but are not limited to:

• • Organic Additives: These include phenolic compounds, isothiazolinone treatments, thiabendazole, and zinc pyrithione.
  • Inorganic Additives: Examples are silver, copper, and zinc compounds.
  • Natural Additives: These include plant extracts, essential oils, and enzymes.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention showing.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the supporting base and the placement of the cleaning/scrubbing members on the supporting base of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken from FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of one end of the supporting base of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a suction module of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Back scrubber 1 comprises flat supporting base 2 having top surface 4, under surface 6, and outer rim 8 extending outwardly from and completely circumscribing the supporting base. A plurality of polygonally shaped suction modules 10 are attached to and are positioned on under surface 6 of supporting base 2. Optimally, suction modules 10 are configured as squares with four straight sides and four right angle corners. Each suction module 10 has a pedestal member 12 extending from lip 14, which itself surrounds and extends outward from the pedestal member. Lip 14 has straight sides 16, 18, 20, and 22.

Supporting base 2 and suction modules 10 are made of a semi-sticky silicon composition. Outer rim 8 of supporting base 2 and lip 14 of each suction module 10 are also provided with a layer of polyurethane silicon gel, 9 and 15 respectively, which extends around the total circumference of the outer rim and around each lip.

A plurality of cleaning/scrubbing members 30, e.g. loofahs, sponges or the like, are attached to top surface 4. While any known manner of attachment of cleaning/scrubbing members 30 can be used, these cleaning/scrubbing members can simply be secured within openings 18 in supporting base 2. It is also contemplated that cleaning/scrubbing members 30 can be attached by string ties extending from the cleaning/scrubbing members and which are inserted into tunnels extending from top surface 4 of supporting base 2.

Drain holes 34 are provided through supporting base 2. The spacing of drain holes 34 are such that they will not interfere with modules 10.

When back scrubber 1 of the present invention is positioned onto the wall of a shower stall, the back wall of a bathtub, or other wall surface, the suction/gripping force applied by means of suction modules 10 in combination with outer rim 8 of base member 2 the back scrubber will be maintained in place. It will not slip or move, but will remain immobile against the wall surface, even during vigorous use.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.