Slip-resistant waterproof wash pad with extruding bristles, and bristle parting walls for cleaning matter

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a slip-resistant and waterproof wash pad having bristles and walls that can easily reach small spaces like between fingers and toes without being held, and that also limits water, soap, or other liquids from splashing beyond the area being washed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 596,387, filed Nov. 6, 2023, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People with disabilities, such as mental or physical disabilities, sometimes have trouble washing their limbs. Using conventional wash cloths can be problematic since they are not very slip-resistant, can have difficulty reaching small spaces, and absorb water, which can lead to bacteria growth that decreases cleanliness. In addition, conventional silicone body scrubbers either splash a lot of water around or are made to wash open surfaces like cheeks, not to wash small spaces like between fingers and toes.

[0003] The present invention is directed at improvements to the currently available washing products. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed towards a slip-resistant and waterproof wash pad that can easily reach small spaces like between fingers and toes without being held, and that also limits water, soap, or other liquids from splashing beyond the area being washed.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed towards a slip-resistant and waterproof wash pad that comprises bristles and walls made from soft waterproof material, and a thinning border pad with anti-slip release ring(s) made from soft waterproof material. The wash pad of the present invention can easily reach small spaces like between fingers and toes without being held and limits water, soap, or other liquids from splashing beyond the area being washed. Accordingly, the slip-resistant wash pad of the present invention provides numerous benefits as compared to the presently available systems and methods.

[0005] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slip-resistant waterproof wash pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in place in a sink;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slip-resistant waterproof wash pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a top view of a slip-resistant waterproof wash pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of a slip-resistant waterproof wash pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a top view of a slip-resistant waterproof wash pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a slip-resistant waterproof wash pad in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0015] Certain people with physical or mental disabilities often have difficulty washing their limb(s) and turn to wash cloths and silicone body scrubbers, which are often a less effective solution. Conventional wash cloths and silicone body scrubbers, including face scrubbers, have at least one of the following problems when used, particularly when used by those with disabilities: they must be held, they are not slip-resistant, they cannot easily reach small spaces like between fingers and toes, they are not waterproof, they permit bacteria to grow more easily after use, or they splash water, soap, or other liquids beyond the area being washed. The present invention is directed towards overcoming shortcomings of conventional wash pads and related products.

[0016] The present invention provides a flexible slip-resistant waterproof surface where limbs can be washed with greater ease while preventing splash back, especially with hands and feet. In a preferred embodiment, the wash pad of the present invention provides an external surface from the user's body that allows limb(s) to be rubbed against with soap, water, or other liquids for washing purposes. The bristle walls help rub between small limbs, such as fingers and toes, and help to limit soap, water, and other liquids from splashing or being launched from the area being washed.

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a wash pad 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with wash pad 10 placed in a sink 24 proximate the sink drain 26. As seen in FIGS. 2-8, wash pad 10 comprises a pad 12 that is generally shaped as two conjoined ovals, with a thinner border portion 14 around the outer edge of each oval, with the border portion terminating at a release ring 12 in a center portion between the two oval sections.

[0018] Wash pad 10 also comprises multiple rows of large bristles 18 with a wall 20 between each row 18. Wash pad 10 also comprises multiple rows of small bristles 22. In a preferred embodiment, small bristles 22 are at one end of the pad 12 towards the release ring 16, and the rows are arranged perpendicularly from walls 20.

[0019] As seen in FIGS. 4-6, large bristles 18 extend from the surface of pad 12 a greater distance than small bristles 22, and walls 20 are generally curved with the top of the curve equaling the height of large bristles 18.

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a wash pad 10 of the present invention in use. As seen therein, pad 10 is paced in sink 24 proximate the sink drain 26 with the release ring positioned away from the drain 26. The user can then wash their hands 28 by moving them horizontally across the bristles 18 and 22 as well as walls 20.

[0021] FIG. 8 depicts a wash pad 30 constructed in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment also comprises a pad 32 that comprises essentially a single oval shaped pad 32 that has a thinner border 34 terminating in release ring 36. This embodiment also includes large bristles 38, small bristles 42 and walls 40 that are arranged in a similar manner to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7.

[0022] In each embodiment the bristles, pad, border and release ring are each made from soft waterproof material. In preferred embodiments, the bristles are bonded to the pad in a series of rows at regular intervals while the walls are bonded to the pad in a series of rows at regular intervals that have at least one row of bristles to a side. The thinning border portion of the pad is bonded to the border of the pad to increase slip-resistance. The release ring is bonded to both the pad and the thinning border pad.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the wash pad is placed on a dry, clean, uniform surface, such as a sink bowl or shower floor. Limbs, including but not limited to hands and feet, in conjunction with soap and water, or another cleaning solution, are rubbed against the bristles and walls. The walls spread small limbs, like fingers and toes, to allow for the area between the small limbs to be washed more easily. Additionally, the walls limit the amount of water, soap, or other cleaning solutions from splashing or launching beyond the relative area being washed. The pad and thinning border portion of the pad keep the wash pad from slipping or moving from the surface it is in contact with during limb washing. Once washing is done, the wash pad can be rinsed off since it is waterproof. Then the release ring can be pulled to release the slip-resistance and allow the wash pad to be removed.

[0024] A soft waterproof material is procured in either a solid state or liquid state that can be made solid. The material is molded into the shape of the wash pad. This can be done by pouring the liquid material into a cavity with the shape of the wash pad and giving it time to harden. This is sometimes called a Gravity Mold. Additionally, Injection Molding can be used. This is when liquid material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and injected into a mold cavity shaped like the wash pad, where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the wash pad. This process can sometimes be done without a heated barrel. For solid material, compression molding, also called vulcanization, can be used. This is when the solid material, generally preheated, is first placed in an open, heated mold cavity shaped like the wash pad. The mold is closed with a top force or plug member, pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mold areas, while heat and pressure are maintained until the solid material has cured and formed into the shape of the wash pad. One could outsource this molding process to a commercial or specialized enterprise.

[0025] There are certain alternative embodiments also contemplated by the present invention. For example, instructions could be carved or molded into the flat side of the pad (opposite the bristles, etc.) for easy reference. In addition, the number of bristle rows between the walls could be increased or decreased as a matter of application specific design choice to help wash varying sized limbs, body parts, food, or other matter. Additionally, suction cups or another anti-slip technology could be added to the invention to increase slip resistance.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the user would place the wash pad on a clean, dry, and uniform sink bowl or shower surface. They would rub their hand(s), feet, or other limb(s) against the wash pad using soap and water or another cleaning solution to wash the designated limb(s). The direction of rubbing is such that the limb(s) move parallel to the walls on the wash pad. Once the limb(s) are thoroughly washed the user rinses off the wash pad to remove excess soapy water or cleaning solution. Then they pull the release ring and move the wash pad to another location if they choose. This invention could also be used to wash other types of matter like food, dishes, silverware, animals, bones, or other non or limited flexibility objects and matter.

[0027] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A slip-resistant wash device comprising:a pad that is generally shaped as two conjoined ovals;a thinner border portion around the outer edge of each oval;the border portion terminating at a release ring in a center portion between the two oval sections;multiple rows of large bristles with a wall between at least each row; andmultiple rows of small bristles at one end of the pad towards the release ring.

2. The slip-resistant wash device of claim 1, wherein the multiple rows of small bristles are arranged perpendicularly to the walls.

3. The slip-resistant wash device of claim 1, wherein the large bristles extend from the surface of the pad a greater distance than small bristles.

4. The slip-resistant wash device of claim 1, wherein the walls are generally curved with the top of the curve equaling the height of large bristles.

5. A slip-resistant wash device comprising:a pad that is generally oval shaped;a thinner border portion around the outer edge of the pad;the border portion terminating at a release ring;multiple rows of large bristles with a wall between at least each row; andmultiple rows of small bristles at one end of the pad towards the release ring.

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