Attachable Finger-Moistening Device

Abstract

An attachable finger-moistening device is provided. The device is designed to assist in moistening a finger for caulking applications. The device comprises a body with an interior space designed to hold a sponge saturated with a compound such as water, soap, or a combination thereof. The device features an opening in one side wall with a lip to prevent dripping and allows for finger insertion to moisten a finger on the saturated sponge. Additionally, the device can be attached to a belt via a fastener.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 571,010, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of caulking. More specifically, the present invention relates to an attachable finger-moistening device that is comprised of a belt-attachable body that can house a saturated sponge. The body is comprised of an opening that allows a user to insert a finger onto the sponge to saturate the finger such that moisture can be applied to a surface that is to be caulked. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] Achieving a perfect caulk bead is often a challenging task, as it requires not just skill but also the management of the caulk's stickiness. Traditionally, a user would have to resort to using a spray bottle filled with water or soap solution, or even more unorthodox methods such as licking their fingers or spitting on their hands. These techniques are employed to create a smooth surface over which the caulk can glide without sticking, allowing for a cleaner finish. However, these methods are not only messy, leading to additional cleanup tasks, but they also pose significant hygiene concerns.

[0004] Moreover, the necessity of carrying separate bottles of spray and soap introduces additional burdens for the user. It complicates the process by requiring them to manage multiple items, which can be particularly cumbersome in tight or elevated spaces. This setup not only impacts the efficiency of the task but also the mobility and comfort of the caulkers as they perform their work.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used during the caulking process. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an attachable finger-moistening device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an attachable finger-moistening device that can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an attachable finger-moistening device that can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked wherein the device is hygienic and easy to manage during use.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an attachable finger-moistening device. The device is designed to assist in moistening a finger for caulking applications. The device comprises a body with an interior space designed to hold a sponge saturated with a compound such as water, soap, or a combination thereof. The device features an opening in one side wall with a lip to prevent dripping and allows for finger insertion to moisten a finger on the saturated sponge. Additionally, the device can be attached to a belt via a fastener.

[0007] In this manner, the attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be used during the caulking process. More specifically, the device can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked. Further, the device does so in a hygienic and easy-to-manage manner.SUMMARY

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an attachable finger-moistening device. The device is comprised of a body preferably comprised of at least four side walls, a bottom wall, and a lid that serves as a top wall. The body is comprised of an interior space that receives at least one sponge that is saturated with at least one compound such as but not limited to a water, a soap, a soap and water combination, etc. At least one side wall is comprised of at least one opening that allows a user to place their finger onto the sponge such that the finger becomes moistened and can be used for caulking. To prevent dripping from the sponge, the opening is preferably comprised of at least one lip. At least one side wall is also comprised of at least one fastener that is preferably a clip that allows the device to attach to a belt. The lid of the device may be any lid style and configuration that allows for secure attachment to the side walls.

[0010] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a sponge and a body comprised of an interior space, an opening, and a lid. Then, the sponge can be saturated with a compound, wherein the compound is preferably a soap and water combination. Then, the sponge can be placed into the interior space and secured within the interior space by closing the lid. Next, a user can place at least one finger into the opening such that the finger contacts the sponge and becomes moistened by the compound. Finally, a user can use the finger to moisten a surface that is to be caulked.

[0011] Accordingly, the attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used during the caulking process. More specifically, the device can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked. Further, the device does so in a hygienic and easy-to-manage manner. In this manner, the attachable finger-moistening device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of moistening caulking surfaces known in the art.

[0012] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of an attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention with the sponge outside of the body in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of an attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention with the sponge inside of the body and the lid closed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of an attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of an attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0019] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used during the caulking process. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an attachable finger-moistening device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an attachable finger-moistening device that can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an attachable finger-moistening device that can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked wherein the device is hygienic and easy to manage during use.

[0020] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an attachable finger-moistening device comprised of a body preferably comprised of at least four side walls, a bottom wall, and a lid that serves as a top wall. The body is comprised of an interior space. The interior space receives at least one sponge that is saturated with at least one compound such as but not limited to a water, a soap, a soap and water combination, etc. At least one side wall is comprised of at least one opening that allows a user to place their finger onto the sponge such that the finger becomes moistened and can be used for caulking. To prevent dripping from the sponge, the opening is preferably comprised of at least one lip. At least one side wall is also comprised of at least one fastener that is preferably a clip that allows the device to attach to a belt. The lid of the device may be any lid style and configuration that allows for secure attachment to the side walls.

[0021] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a sponge and a body comprised of an interior space, an opening, and a lid. Then, the sponge can be saturated with a compound, wherein the compound is preferably a soap and water combination. Then, the sponge can be placed into the interior space and secured within the interior space by closing the lid. Next, a user can place at least one finger into the opening such that the finger contacts the sponge and becomes moistened by the compound. Finally, a user can use the finger to moisten a surface that is to be caulked.

[0022] Accordingly, the attachable finger-moistening device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used during the caulking process. More specifically, the device can be used to moisten a user's finger before moistening a surface to be caulked. Further, the device does so in a hygienic and easy-to-manage manner. In this manner, the attachable finger-moistening device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of moistening caulking surfaces known in the art.

[0023] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of an attachable finger-moistening device 100 of the present invention with the sponge 160 outside of the body 110 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a body 110 that is preferably generally square or rectangular, but may be any shape. The body 110 is preferably comprised of at least one (but preferably four) side wall(s) 120, a bottom wall 130, and a lid 150 that serves as a top wall. The body 110 may be made from any material such as but not limited to plastic, metal, etc.

[0024] The body 110 is comprised of an interior space 140. The interior space 140 receives at least one sponge 160 (of any sponge material type) that is saturated with at least one compound 162 such as but not limited to a water, a soap, a soap and water combination, etc. At least one side wall 120 is comprised of at least one opening 122. The opening 122 allows a user to place their finger onto the sponge 160 such that the finger becomes moistened and can be used for caulking. To prevent dripping from the sponge 160, the opening 122 is preferably comprised of at least one lip 124. The lip 124 may be any configuration but is preferably a half-spherical shape.

[0025] At least one side wall 120 is comprised of at least one fastener 126, as seen in FIG. 3. The fastener 126 is preferably a clip that allows the device 100 to attach to a belt. However, the fastener 126 may be any type such as but not limited to adhesive, magnet, suction cup, etc.

[0026] The lid 150 of the device 100 may be any lid style and configuration that allows for secure attachment to the side walls 120. In one embodiment, the lid 150 is a snap-on lid that snaps onto the side walls 120. In another embodiment, the lid 150 is a sliding that can be slid along the side walls 120 to expose the interior space 140. In a further embodiment, the lid 150 may attach to at least one side wall 120 via at least one hinge 154 of any style. In this embodiment, the lid 150 can be secured to at least one side wall 120 via at least one fastener 152 (as seen in FIG. 2) positioned on the lid 150 and / or at least one side wall 120, such as but not limited to a clip, a snap, etc.

[0027] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a sponge 160 and a body 110 comprised of an interior space 140, an opening 122, and a lid 150 [Step 202]. Then, the sponge 160 can be saturated with a compound 162, wherein the compound 162 is preferably a soap and water combination [Step 204]. Then, the sponge 160 can be placed into the interior space 140 and secured within the interior space by closing the lid 150 [Step 206]. Optionally, a user can secure the device 100 to a belt or another surface via at least one fastener 126 [Step 208]. Next, a user can place at least one finger into the opening 122 such that the finger contacts the sponge 160 and becomes moistened by the compound 162 [Step 210]. Finally, a user can use the finger to moisten a surface that is to be caulked [Step 212].

[0028] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “attachable finger-moistening device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the attachable finger-moistening device 100 of the present invention.

[0029] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the attachable finger-moistening device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the attachable finger-moistening device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the attachable finger-moistening device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the attachable finger-moistening device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the attachable finger-moistening device 100 may be of any size, shape, and / or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0030] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0031] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. An attachable finger-moistening device comprising:a body comprised of an opening and a lid; anda sponge saturated with a compound.

2. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a fastener.

3. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 2, wherein the fastener is comprised of a clip.

4. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 1, wherein the opening is comprised of a lip.

5. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 1, wherein the lid attaches to a side wall of the body via a hinge.

6. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 1, wherein the lid is comprised of a sliding lid.

7. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 1, wherein the lid is comprised of a snap-on lid.

8. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a metal material.

9. An attachable finger-moistening device comprising:a body comprised of an interior space, a bottom wall, a first side wall comprised of a fastener, a second side wall comprised of an opening, and a lid; anda sponge saturated with a compound.

10. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 9, wherein the lid is comprised of a sliding lid.

11. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 9, wherein the lid is comprised of a snap-on lid.

12. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 9, wherein the lid is comprised of a fastener.

13. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 9, wherein the compound is comprised of a soap and a water.

14. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 9, wherein the lid attaches to the first side wall or the second side wall via a hinge.

15. The attachable finger-moistening device of claim 9, wherein the body is comprised of a plastic material.

16. A method of using an attachable finger-moistening device, the method comprising the following steps:providing an attachable finger-moistening device comprised of a body comprised of an interior space, an opening, and a lid;saturating a sponge with a compound;placing the sponge into the interior space and closing the lid;placing a finger into the opening such that the finger contacts the sponge and becomes moistened by the compound; andusing the finger to moisten a surface.

17. The method of using an attachable finger-moistening device of claim 16, wherein the compound is comprised of a soap and a water.

18. The method of using an attachable finger-moistening device of claim 16 further comprised of a step of attaching the attachable finger-moistening device to a belt or a surface via a fastener.

19. The method of using an attachable finger-moistening device of claim 18, wherein the fastener is comprised of a clip.

20. The method of using an attachable finger-moistening device of claim 16, wherein the lid is comprised of a sliding lid, a snap-on lid, or a hinged lid.

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