Bathing device and method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

A bathing device includes a generally elongated body having internal compartments or pockets extending lengthwise therealong. Each of the pockets has an opening for receiving therein a cleanser. A closure mechanism is provided for each of the pockets to releasably close the openings of the pockets to retain the cleanser in the pockets during use of the bathing device. A pair of handles are disposed at respective opposite ends of the elongated body to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to bathing implements and, more particularly, to a bathing device that retains and dispenses a cleanser for use in the bath tub or shower and that enables people to easily wash otherwise unaccessible areas of their body, such as the back, legs and feet. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the bathing device.[0003]2. Background of the Invention[0004]It has long been a problem to lather the body properly and efficiently when bathing either in a shower or a bath tub. A problem with bar soap, for example, results from its slippery surface when wet which makes the bar soap hard to hold onto. The accidental dropping of the bar soap can create great aggravation both in the shower and the bath tub. There is the potential for an accidental fall and injury if the user steps on the dropped bar of soap. Further, the retrieval of a slippery bar of soap, which has be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is an object of the present invention to provide a bathing device that enables people to easily wash otherwise unaccessible areas of their body, such as the back, legs and feet.

[0011]Another object of the present invention is to provide a bathing device for retaining one or more bars of soap and / or soap slivers until they are completely used, thereby reducing clean-up time and eliminating waste and cost.

[0012]Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a bathing device which is easy to use and relatively easy and economical to manufacture.

[0013]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bathing device made of a disposable material so that it can be easily discarded after use by an individual to avoid the possibility of contamination.

Problems solved by technology

It has long been a problem to lather the body properly and efficiently when bathing either in a shower or a bath tub.

A problem with bar soap, for example, results from its slippery surface when wet which makes the bar soap hard to hold onto.

The accidental dropping of the bar soap can create great aggravation both in the shower and the bath tub.

There is the potential for an accidental fall and injury if the user steps on the dropped bar of soap.

Further, the retrieval of a slippery bar of soap, which has been dropped in a shower or tub, can become a painful or exhausting ordeal for anyone who may be physically disabled, elderly, blind, pregnant or overweight.

Another problem is that it has been difficult to provide sufficient soap lather to all parts of the body to complete the cleansing action.

For example, many people, such as the physically challenged, elderly, arthritic and corpulent, have difficulty bathing and are often unable to adequately wash hard-to-reach parts of the body, such as their back, legs and feet, while bathing and showering.

Moreover, one of the major reasons for reduced bar soap usage by consumers is the excessive waste associated with the product.

The next time the soap is used, the soft outer portion of the bar of soap quickly washes away, resulting in considerable product loss.

Another related problem with bar soap is its susceptibility to breaking or chipping upon impact after being dropped.

When the bar of soap slips from the user's grasp and strikes the tub or shower floor, the bar frequently cracks, breaks, or chips, and these broken chips are usually washed down the drain.

Alternatively, this results in an accumulation of a large quantity of soap slivers or soap chips from various bars of soap.

Without any practical use in their form, these soap slivers or chips are immediately discarded by the user, again resulting in loss of product.

However, these conventional bathing devices are complicated to use or contain a bulky or dense material that tends to retain soap and moisture.

Additionally, such conventional bathing devices are often made of a material that does not dry quickly, which leads to the growth of mildew and harbor disease causing microorganisms.

Existing washcloths, however, have no convenient means for gripping.

As a result, it is not easy to make full use of the washcloth and hence the portion of the washcloth available for use at any one time is restricted.

Thus, there has remained the problem of providing a truly efficient means for retaining one or more bars of soap and providing efficient lathering and ease of application while lathering.

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