Telescoping Collapsible Bath Brush

a bath brush and handle technology, applied in the field of bath brushes, can solve the problems of increased mechanical complexity, narrow innermost handle segments, and increased cost, and achieve the effects of safe and convenient backwashing, convenient travel, and small space occupied

US20100011525A1Inactive Publication Date: 2010-01-21HABRLE MARK ANDREW
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2010-01-21
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A collapsible bath brush is disclosed with a handle that collapses telescopically into the interior of the brush head, thereby making the brush more convenient, compact, and adaptable than other bath brushes. In preferred embodiments, the brush head includes bristles or a sponge, the handle includes at least three segments, and when extended, the handle is wide (at least one inch), long, and easy to hold. When the handle is collapsed, the brush head is a fully functional handle-free bath brush without protrusions that could interfere with washing. A securing mechanism prevents inadvertent collapse of the handle when extended, and in preferred embodiments a retaining mechanism prevents inadvertent extension of the handle when collapsed. The brush is easy to pack for travel, requiring no disassembly to achieve its smallest configuration. In preferred embodiments the brush has an open, horseshoe-shaped, easy-to-clean handle, and can be disassembled for thorough cleaning.
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to bath brushes, and more particularly to bath brushes with collapsible handles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bath brushes have been used to wash the human body for hundreds of years. The standard bath brush consists of a plurality of bristles affixed to a compact brush head. Such brushes are designed for a person to wash (or sometimes massage) portions of the body that are easy to reach, but they are difficult to use for washing other body areas, like the back. Moreover, people who have limited mobility due to arthritis, stiffness, or other physical problems, sometimes have difficulty using these bath brushes to wash their feet, shoulders, or lower legs.

[0003] In consequence, back brushes have been developed. These typically comprise a brush affixed to an elongated handle. Although the elongated handle gives the bather greater reach, its length causes other problems.

[0004] For one thing, back brushes are difficult to use ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]With reference to FIG. 1A, the collapsible brush 100 of the present invention includes a brush head 102 with a wash pad 104 that substantially covers one side of the brush head 102, and a telescoping handle 108 that includes a plurality of nestable handle segments 110. The telescoping handle is movable between an extended position, as shown in FIG. 1A, and a collapsed position, wherein it is contained within the interior of the brush head. A securing mechanism 112 is also included for securing the telescoping handle in its extended position.

[0037]The embodiment of FIG. 1A includes three handle segments that are maintained in the extended position by latches 112 that press against the ends of preceding segments so as to prevent the segments from collapsing into each other. The distal handle segment 110 is capped with a flange 114 containing notches 116 that engage with catches 118 recessed in the walls of the brush head 102 when the brush is in its collapsed position.

[0038]In p...