A scrubbing device having an adjustable head

Abstract

The scrubbing device with an adjustable head includes a handle portion and a scrubbing head attached to the handle portion. The scrubbing head is angle-adjustable relative to the handle portion. A scrubbing pad is releasably attached to the scrubbing head, and a battery-powered reciprocating mechanism provides selective reciprocating motion of the scrubbing pad. The scrubbing head can be releasably locked at a desired angle. Furthermore, the handle portion may include at least one telescopic member for adjusting the length of the handle portion. The reciprocating mechanism may be powered by a rechargeable battery. A charging base may be provided for receiving the handle portion and recharging the rechargeable battery. Alternatively, or in conjunction with a charging base, an inductive charger may be provided for releasably attaching to the handle portion for recharging the rechargeable battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this patent application relates to cleaning devices, and more specifically to an electric scrubbing device for bathing the body. Background Technology

[0002] Many people find it difficult to reach most of their body while bathing. A wide variety of body brushes and back scrubbers are commercially available to address this issue. These devices typically include an extended handle attached to a scrubbing head. This head is usually a mesh, sponge, or soft brush and is arranged to scrub multiple areas of the body by manually manipulating the entire device. However, many people with limited dexterity, strength, and / or mobility (such as due to frail physical conditions) find these cleaning products difficult to use. Furthermore, these products can significantly increase cleaning time, leading to unnecessary fatigue. Moreover, existing electric body brushes are large, heavy, and only offer a 360° rotating pad movement mechanism, making these devices difficult to operate and limiting their ability to reach all parts of the bather's body. Therefore, there is a need for a scrubbing device with an adjustable head that addresses the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A scrubbing device with an adjustable head includes a handle portion and a scrubbing head attached to the handle portion. The scrubbing head is angle-adjustable relative to the handle portion. A scrubbing pad is releasably attached to the scrubbing head, and a battery-powered reciprocating mechanism provides selective reciprocating motion of the scrubbing pad. The scrubbing head can be releasably locked at a desired angle to help the user easily reach body parts, such as, but not limited to, the back, the bottom of the feet, etc. Furthermore, the handle portion may include at least one telescopic member for adjusting the length of the handle portion. An adjusting portion may be positioned between the handle portion and the scrubbing head to at least partially receive the mechanism for angled adjustment and locking of the scrubbing head. The adjusting portion may have a flexible cover or housing. The front portion of the scrubbing head may have a generally V-shaped profile, thereby allowing the scrubbing pad to be stably angled (in either direction) to match the angle required for scrubbing the curved areas of the body, such as, but not limited to, the armpits, groin, buttocks, etc.

[0004] The reciprocating mechanism can be powered by a rechargeable battery, which can be housed within the handle portion. A charging dock can be provided for housing the handle portion and recharging the rechargeable battery. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the charging dock, an inductive charger can be provided for releasable attachment to the handle portion to recharge the rechargeable battery. In addition to one or more electronic controls, indicator lights or similar indicators can be provided to show the device's remaining battery power, charging status, and warnings indicating that the battery needs recharging.

[0005] The scrubbing head may include a mounting member for releasably attaching to a scrubbing pad. The scrubbing pad may include a ridge and a plurality of fingers, the ridge having a central hub adapted to attach to the mounting member, the fingers extending radially from the central hub. The ridge may also include a pair of diametrically opposed, flat stabilizing members extending radially from the central hub and adapted to align with a longitudinal axis of a handle portion. The stabilizing members may define a centerline of the ridge, and a first half-finger and a second half-finger of the plurality of fingers may extend from opposite first and second sides of the centerline of the ridge, respectively.

[0006] These and other features of this subject matter will become apparent upon further review of the following instructions. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head, shown in an extended configuration.

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a side view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head, illustrating the angle adjustment of the scrubbing head.

[0010] Figure 4A This is a side view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head.

[0011] Figure 4B This is a top view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head, which is attached to a recharging base.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a side view of a scrubbing device with an adjustable head, which is attached to an inductive charger.

[0014] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a scrubbing pad with an adjustable scrubbing head.

[0015] Figure 7B It is along Figure 7A The cross-sectional view of the scrubbing pad taken by cutting line 7B-7B in the figure.

[0016] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A perspective view of a portion of the scrubbing pad that has been removed.

[0017] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A A perspective view of the base of the scrubbing pad.

[0018] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the scrubbing pad, specifically showing a mesh scrubbing pad.

[0019] Figure 8B This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a scrubbing pad, specifically showing a soft-textured scrubbing pad.

[0020] Figure 8C This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a scrubbing pad, specifically showing a medium-textured scrubbing pad.

[0021] Figure 8D This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a scrubbing pad, specifically showing a scrubbing pad with a rough texture.

[0022] Figure 8E This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a scrubbing pad, specifically showing a pumice scrubbing pad.

[0023] Figure 8B This is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the scrubbing pad, specifically showing the scrubbing brush.

[0024] Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals consistently denote the corresponding features. Detailed Implementation

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the scrubbing device 10 with an adjustable head includes a handle portion 12 and a scrubbing head 14. Figure 2 As shown, the handle portion 12 can be connected to the scrubbing head 14 via a plurality of concentric tubular members 16, 18, which provide a telescopic extension of the scrubbing device 10 with an adjustable head. The extension or deployment of the telescopic concentric tubular members 16, 18 can be actuated using any suitable method. As a non-limiting example, a torsional movement of the handle portion 12 can extend the tubular members 16, 18 to lengthen the scrubbing device 10 with an adjustable head. The handle portion 12 may support a first button 20 and a second button 22. The first button 20 can function as an on / off toggle switch for a reciprocator housed within the handle portion 12, and the second button 22 adjusts the reciprocating speed. A scrubbing pad 24 or other cleaning attachment can be removably attached to the scrubbing head 14. A safety ring 26 can be attached to the handle portion 12 for wrapping around the user's wrist. In addition to the buttons 20, 22, indicator lights, etc., can be provided to indicate the remaining battery power, charging status, warnings that the battery needs recharging, etc.

[0026] As in Figure 3A and Figure 3B The best view is that the adjustment part is inserted into the handle part 12 (or when it is in the position). Figure 2The extended position is between the telescopic concentric tubular members 16, 18 and the scrubbing head 14. The user can press the third button 30 to release the scrubbing head 14, allowing it to rotate freely relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 12 and be angle-adjustable. When the scrubbing head 14 is positioned at the desired angle, the user releases the third button 30 to lock the scrubbing head 14 in place at the desired angle, facilitating easy access to body parts, such as, but not limited to, the back and soles of the feet. It should be understood that, as is known in the art, any suitable type of locking angle adjustment mechanism can be used. Examples of such locking angle adjustment mechanisms are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,123,768, 6,053,076, 7,082,862, 7,343,837, 7,72,287, 8,695,459, and 10,575,703; and U.S. Patent Publications 2007 / 0234497 and 2017 / 0211614, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, in Figure 3A and Figure 3B The image shows a locking angle adjustment mechanism covered by a flexible cover or housing 32. It should be understood that the cover or housing 32 is shown for illustrative purposes only, and any suitable type of flexible cover can be used.

[0027] The handle portion 12 and scrubbing head 14 of the scrubbing device 10 with an adjustable head can be made of any suitable type of impact-resistant and water-resistant material (such as rigid polymers), so that the device 10 maintains its shape when exposed to the forces involved in scrubbing and when dropped on a hard surface. As a non-limiting example, the outer layer of the handle portion 12 and / or the scrubbing head 14 can have an impact-resistant coating made of rubber or silicone. The outer layer can also provide a high-friction surface to enhance the user's grip on the device 10 in wet and soapy environments. The handle portion 12 may also include any suitable type of seal to provide a waterproof barrier to prevent water from entering the internal components of the device 10.

[0028] The handle portion 12 and / or the scrubbing head 14 may accommodate a battery-powered, motor-driven reciprocating mechanism for providing reciprocating motion to the scrubbing head 14. It should be understood that any suitable type of reciprocating system can be used. An example of such a battery-powered, motor-driven reciprocating mechanism is shown in the inventor's prior patent No. 11,006,785 B2, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] Figure 4A The reciprocating motion path that can be imparted to the scrubbing pad 24 is shown. For example, the reciprocator can cause the scrubbing pad 24 to reciprocate along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 12. Figure 4BThe relationship between the shampoo pad 24 and the shampoo head 14 is illustrated. The shampoo pad 24 can be configured on the shampoo head 14 to allow for greater curvature of the shampoo pad 24 during use. For example, when shampooing the armpits, the shampoo head 14 can allow the shampoo pad 24 to bend downwards to follow the U-shaped contour of the armpit. It should be understood that any suitable type of flexible, pivotable, and / or rotatable joint or attachment can be used between the shampoo pad 24 and the shampoo head 14. Furthermore, as... Figure 4B As shown, the front portion of the scrubbing head 14 may have a generally V-shaped profile, thereby allowing the scrubbing pad 24 to be stably angled (in either direction) to match the angle required for scrubbing the sharp bends of the body (such as, but not limited to, the armpits, groin, buttocks, etc.).

[0030] Figure 5 A charging base 40 is shown, which can be used to recharge a battery housed in the device 10 for powering a reciprocating mechanism. The charging base 40 may include a mating port 42 for receiving and securing the handle portion 12 of the device 10. A magnetic connection may be provided between the device 10 and the charging base 40 to further secure them. When mated in the mating port 42, two electrodes on the device 10 can contact two electrodes on the charging base 40 to provide an electrical connection between the battery and the base 40. A power cord 44 is provided for transmitting power from a wall power outlet to the base 40. The charging base 40 may be waterproof for use in humid environments and / or for receiving a damp device 10. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the charging base 40, an inductive charger 46 may be used for recharging the battery. Figure 6 As shown, as is known in the art, the inductive charger 46 can be fixed to the outside of the device 10 using a magnet or the like for inductive charging of the battery.

[0031] Figures 7A-7D A scrubbing pad 50 is shown that can be mounted on the scrubbing head 14 of the device 10. The scrubbing pad 50 may include a concave scrubbing layer 52 supported by finger-shaped ridges 53. Figure 7C and Figure 7D In a non-limiting example, the ridge 54 is shown as having ten radially extending fingers 54 that support the scrubbing layer 52 while allowing the scrubbing pad 50 to conform to the contours of the human body; however, it should be understood that any suitable number of fingers can be used. The fingers 54 may be made of a resilient, flexible material, such as silicone as a non-limiting example. A central hub 56 of the ridge may form a connection port 58 for connection to a mounting member in the scrubbing head 14. The central hub 56 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., polyethylene as a non-limiting example) to securely hold the scrubbing pad 50 in place under varying scrubbing speeds and pressures.

[0032] Two stabilizing members 60, opposite in diameter, extend radially outward from the central hub 56. Half of the fingers 54 extend from one side of the stabilizing member 60, while the other half extends from the opposite side. When attached to the mounting members of the scrubbing head 14, the stabilizing member 60 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 12. By aligning the stabilizing member 60 with the longitudinal axis, the fingers 54 are positioned to support the scrubbing layer 52 during use when it bends around the scrubbing head 14. The housing 62 can cover the bottom of the scrubbing layer 52 and the ridge 54.

[0033] Figures 8A-8F Examples of a set of different scrubbing pads 70a, 70b, 70c, 72, 80, and 90 are shown, which can be used with a scrubbing device 10 having an adjustable head. Figure 8A An embodiment of a mesh sponge wash pad 72 is shown. The mesh sponge wash pad 72 may include an upper "pouf"-shaped mesh 74 supported by finger-shaped ridges 78 having flexible finger-like members 78. The finger-shaped ridges 78 support the mesh 74 in an upright position while also allowing the mesh 74 to conform to the contours of the human body. Figure 7A Similar to connection port 58, connection port 76 is provided for connection to the scrubbing head 14.

[0034] Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Figure 8D Three different embodiments of the scrubbing pads 50a, 50b, and 50c are shown, which provide different degrees of exfoliation. Figure 8B A soft-textured scrubbing pad 70a is shown. Figure 8C The medium-textured scrubbing pad 50b is shown, and Figure 8D A rough-textured scrubbing pad 50c is shown. Figure 8E An embodiment of a pumice stone is shown for a scrubbing pad 80 used to remove dead skin from a user's feet. The pumice stone scrubbing pad 80 may include an upper pumice stone 82 supported by a lower base 84, the lower base 84 having a connection port for connecting to a scrubbing head 14. Figure 8F A foot brush 90 for scrubbing a user's feet is shown. The foot brush 90 may include a lower base 94 and bristles 92, the lower base 94 having a connection port 96 for connecting to a scrubbing head 14, and the bristles 92 extending from the base 822.

[0035] It should be understood that the scrubbing device with an adjustable head is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but is covered by any and all embodiments within the scope of the general language of the following claims, which are implemented by embodiments described herein, or otherwise shown in the accompanying drawings, or described above that are sufficient to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A scrubbing device with an adjustable head, comprising: Handle part; A rinsing head, which is attached to the handle portion, wherein the rinsing head is angle-adjustable relative to the handle portion; A scrubbing pad, releasably attached to the scrubbing head; and Devices for selectively reciprocating the scrubbing pad.

2. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 1, wherein, The scrubbing head can be releasably locked at the desired angle.

3. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 1, wherein, The handle portion includes at least one telescopic member for adjusting the length of the handle portion.

4. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 1, wherein, The scrubbing head includes mounting members for releasably attaching to the scrubbing pad.

5. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 4, wherein, The scrubbing pad includes a ridge having a central hub and a plurality of fingers, the central hub being adapted to attach to the mounting member, the plurality of fingers extending radially from the central hub.

6. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 5, wherein, The ridge also includes a pair of flat stabilizing members that are opposite in diameter, the stabilizing members extending radially from the central hub and adapted to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

7. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 6, wherein, The stabilizing member defines the midline of the ridge.

8. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 7, wherein, The first and second half-finger of the plurality of fingers extend from opposite first and second sides of the midline of the ridge, respectively.

9. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 1, wherein, The device for selectively reciprocating the scrubbing pad includes a rechargeable battery.

10. The scrubbing apparatus with an adjustable head according to claim 9, further comprising a charging base for receiving the handle portion and recharging the rechargeable battery.

11. The scrubbing apparatus with an adjustable head according to claim 9, further comprising an inductive charger for releasably attaching to the handle portion for recharging the rechargeable battery.

12. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment portion positioned between the handle portion and the scrubbing head, wherein, The adjustment section includes a flexible housing.

13. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the scrubbing head has a V-shaped cross-sectional profile.

14. A scrubbing device with an adjustable head, comprising: Handle part; A rinsing head, which is attached to the handle portion, wherein the rinsing head is angle-adjustable relative to the handle portion; A scrubbing pad that is releasably attached to the scrubbing head; An adjusting portion, positioned between the handle portion and the scrubbing head, wherein the adjusting portion includes a flexible housing; and Devices for selectively reciprocating the scrubbing pad.

15. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 14, wherein, The scrubbing head can be releasably locked at the desired angle.

16. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 14, wherein, The handle portion includes at least one telescopic member for adjusting the length of the handle portion.

17. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 14, wherein, The scrubbing head includes mounting members for releasably attaching to the scrubbing pad.

18. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 17, wherein, The scrubbing pad includes a ridge having a central hub and a plurality of fingers, the central hub being adapted to attach to the mounting member, the plurality of fingers extending radially from the central hub.

19. The scrubbing device with an adjustable head according to claim 18, wherein, The ridge also includes a pair of flat stabilizing members that are opposite in diameter, the stabilizing members extending radially from the central hub and adapted to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, wherein the stabilizing members define the centerline of the ridge, and wherein a first half-finger and a second half-finger of the plurality of fingers extend from opposite first and second sides of the centerline of the ridge, respectively.

20. The scrubbing apparatus with an adjustable head according to claim 14, further comprising an inductive charger for releasably attaching to the handle portion for recharging a rechargeable battery housed in the handle portion.

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