COATED SCRUBBING DEVICE WITH A PROTECTIVE HANDLE

Abstract

A coated scrubbing device with a protective handle is disclosed by this invention. —The protective handle protects the fingernails, knuckles and digits of a user during use. —The protective handle is flexible and malleable. The user grips the protective handle and rolls it over their fingernails, digits, upper knuckles and lower knuckles and tucks their thumb either behind or in front of the handle. —The protective handle then protects the user's fingernails, knuckles and digits during use. —The coated scrubbing device with a protective handle has a coating material which completely coats it. The coated scrubbing device or scouring material impregnated into part or all of the coating material or an attached accessory pad which can scrub or scour surfaces.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims priority to the previously filed United States of America Utility Patent Application titled SCRUBBING DEVICE WITH A PROTECTIVE HANDLE, with an application filing date of Dec. 26, 2016, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, application Ser. No. 15/390,644, which claimed priority to the previously filed United States of America Patent Application titled PROTECTIVE HANDLE FOR A SCRUBBING DEVICE, with an application filing date of Apr. 10, 2015, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, application Ser. No. 14/684,263, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,392.

This is a substitute specification: a marked-up specification is submitted herewith identifying the new material in this continuation-in-part application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle and a coating material which coats the entire scrubbing device.

There are a wide variety of commercially available scrubbing devices on the market. These scrubbing devices are used to scrub and clean everything from dishes, floors, sinks and household surfaces to more industrial applications such as gasoline and diesel engines. Moreover, these scrubbing devices can be used for cosmetic or personal care purposes such as skin exfoliation, back scratching and to clean other body parts. These scrubbing devices can also be used for light to heavy industrial purposes such as sanding wood or drywall or finishing the surfaces of metals, plastics, ceramics or other materials.

In cleaning any surface, generally, force ranging from mild to vigorous pressure must be applied to the scrubbing device in order to effectively scrub, sand or finish. However, scrubbing, sanding or finishing a surface usually exposes the fingernails, knuckles and digits to the surface and other elements in the external environment. The force and speed of the back and forth and/or circular movement can cause damage or injury to the fingernails, knuckles and digits. Depending on the use, the back and forth and/or circular movement can expose the fingernails, knuckles and digits to potential sharp or dangerous surfaces or conditions and potential injury. Also, in the case of cosmetic or personal hygiene purposes, the user's fingernails can cause damage to the body part that is being cleaned or where makeup is being applied. A coated scrubbing device with a protective handle that protects the fingernails, knuckles, digits and other body parts during use is a useful invention.

A scrubbing device is generally necessary on a daily basis to bathe, do dishes, scrub floors and complete other routine household, industrial or personal hygiene tasks. A manicure can cost hundreds of dollars and can be easily ruined by the back and forth motion and/or circular motion of scrubbing dishes, cleaning engines or bathing. Also, external elements, sharp objects and unintentional contact can break fingernails and ruin a manicure. A coated scrubbing device with a protective handle that allows the manicured fingernails to be protected and concealed during use is a useful invention.

A scrubbing device is useful for cleaning automobile engines, sanding or finishing surfaces or other industrial purposes. However, when using a scrubbing device to clean, sand or finish for industrial purposes, the digits, nails and knuckles are exposed to sharp or other potentially harmful surfaces. A coated scrubbing device with a protective handle that protects and conceals the nails, knuckles and digits from harm during use is a useful invention.

Currently, gloves exist that are used to protect and conceal the fingernails, knuckles and digits during use. However, these gloves are made of latex or other synthetic materials that can cause allergic reactions in the user. These gloves also provide limited protection and concealment from external elements and can be punctured by sharp objects. A coated scrubbing device with a protective handle that allows the fingernails, knuckles and digits to be protected and concealed during use without the problems caused by gloves is a useful invention.

There are scrubbing devices on the market with handles. However, these handles tend to be rigid and unbending and serve more to aid in gripping than to protect and conceal the fingernails, knuckles and digits during use. A coated scrubbing device that has a protective and flexible handle that is adjustable to aid in protection and concealment during use is a useful invention.

Scrubbing devices on the market have their core materials partially or completely open to the environment. This allows liquids and dust to enter their structure, making them hard to clean and allowing for the growth of bacteria, mold, and other potential pathogens. A scrubbing device which is completely coated with a coating material to prevent this is a useful invention.

Scrubbing devices on the market with their core materials partially or completely open to the environment can snag, tear, break, or otherwise lose structural integrity when encountering hazards in the environment. A scrubbing device which is completely coated with a coating material to protect its core material and extend its useful life is a useful invention.

Furthermore, scrubbing devices on the market made of various kinds of foams have a useful and familiar texture for users, but are subject to the problems already described. A scrubbing device which is completely coated with a coating material to protect its core material and extend its useful life but with a similar texture to uncoated scrubbing devices is a useful invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the many objectives of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the handle is flexible.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the handle is of sufficient length to protect and conceal the nails, knuckles and digits during use.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the handle can be rolled to cover the fingernails, knuckles and digits during use.

Moreover, another objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the coated scrubbing device base can be used as a handle and the protective handle can be used as a coated scrubbing device to clean in between tight surfaces.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the coated scrubbing device base can have an attached layer of abrasive or scouring material to allow the coated scrubbing device to scour tough surfaces.

Also, an objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the coated scrubbing device base can have an attached abrasive, scouring or finishing material to allow the coated scrubbing device to sand or finish wood or other hard surfaces.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle which has an edge cleaning position so that the base of the coated scrubbing device and the protective handle can be used to clean the surface and edge of an object simultaneously.

Moreover, an objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle which has a protective handle which has enough rigidity to control movement of the coated scrubbing device over an object or surface.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle which has a protective handle which is bendable in either lateral direction so that a right-handed and left-handed user can easily use the coated scrubbing device.

Yet, another objective of the present invention is the provision of a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle where the coated scrubbing device is useful for cosmetic or personal care purposes to protect the user's body from accidental harm from the fingernails when scrubbing body parts.

Another objective of the current invention is to provide a coated scrubbing device which is entirely coated with a coating material to protect its core material from contamination and help to preserve its integrity.

Yet another objective of the current invention is to provide a coated scrubbing device which can accept accessory pads to allow it to perform a variety of scrubbing and/or scouring tasks.

Another objective of the present current invention is to provide a coated scrubbing device where the coating material impregnates the scrubbing device, providing a coated scrubbing device with a similar surface texture to a non-coated scrubbing device

These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle which is flexible yet protective and can accept accessory pads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle of this invention, with the coating material in partial cut away to reveal the interior foam material.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle of this invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle in protective position with the hand of the user depicted in phantom and the protective handle partially depicted in phantom.

FIG. 4 depicts a side plan view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle in protective position with the hand of the user depicted in phantom.

FIG. 5 depicts an inverted perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle in crevice cleaning position with the hand of the user and the surface depicted in phantom.

FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle in second protective position with the hand of the user and the surface depicted in phantom.

FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle with left or right lateral movement of protective handle depicted in phantom.

FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle in edge scrubbing position 114 with the hand of the user and the surface 130 depicted in phantom.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom, exploded perspective view of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle with accessory pad.

FIG. 10 depicts a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle of this invention.

Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in one or more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct or intermediate connections, but may also include connections through mediate elements or devices.

A coated scrubbing device with a protective handle is provided. The protective handle and coated scrubbing device can be a unitary piece. Also, the protective handle can be a separate piece and attached to the coated scrubbing device through glue, fusion by heating, or any other suitable fastener or attachment method. The protective handle is a flexible handle. The protective handle is flexible and bendable in either lateral direction. The user grips the protective handle and rolls it over their fingernails, digits, upper knuckles and lower knuckles and tucks their thumb either behind or in front of the handle. The user can then use the coated scrubbing device on a multitude of surfaces and reduce or prevent damage to their digits, knuckles and fingernails.

A surface suitable for scrubbing is intended to remove material present on the surface of the object to be scrubbed without significantly abrading or scratching the surface of the object to be scrubbed or removing more than minor amounts of material comprising the object to be cleaned. Material affixed to the base which is meant to provide a surface suitable for scrubbing forms a scrubbing material.

A surface suitable for scouring is intended to remove material which has chemically or physically bonded with the surface of the object to be scrubbed and will significantly abrade, scratch or remove more than minor amounts of material from the object to be cleaned. Material affixed to the base which is meant to provide a surface suitable for scouring forms a scouring material.

An accessory pad is a pad which can be attached to one or more planar surfaces of the coated scrubbing device. The coated scrubbing device can have one or more accessory pads suitable for scrubbing. The coated scrubbing device can have one or more accessory pads suitable for scouring. The coated scrubbing device can have one or more accessory pads suitable for scrubbing and one or more accessory pads suitable for scouring at the same time. An accessory pad affixed to the base which is meant to provide a surface suitable for scrubbing comprises a scrubbing pad. An accessory pad affixed to the base which is meant to provide a surface suitable for scouring comprises a scouring pad.

A scrubbing pad or a scouring pad can be a multitude of different products. The scrubbing or scouring pad can be a loofah, pumice stone or a natural sea sponge for cosmetic or personal care purposes. The scouring pad can be a sponge, steel wool or abrasive pad for household cleaning purposes. The scouring pad can be copper wool, steel wool or an abrasive impregnated fabric for industrial purposes. A scouring pad can comprise sandpaper, steel wool, steel screen or abrasives attached to the coated scrubbing device for dry walling or carpentry purposes. The coated scrubbing device can be composed of silicone scrubbing materials or have a scrubbing or scouring pad affixed. The coated scrubbing device can be composed of and/or have a (cellular) poly-ether, poly-ester or silicone foam material with closed cells, open cells, or a combination of both open and closed cells affixed as a scrubbing or scouring pad. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable coated scrubbing devices but is not meant to limit the coated scrubbing devices to these examples and any suitable coated scrubbing device for any suitable purpose is included in and encompassed by this disclosure. The foregoing notwithstanding and as will be detailed later in the disclosure, to practice the invention in a configuration where the coated scrubbing device has a texture substantially similar to the uncoated scrubbing device, it is required that the coating material be silicone, the coating material be used to impregnate a coating device formed of open-cell foam, and is strongly preferred that the scrubbing device be formed of a poly-ester or poly-ether open-cell foam.

The coated scrubbing device can be made of any suitable material. The material of the coated scrubbing device can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The coated scrubbing device can be made of synthetic materials such as cellulose or cellulose wood fibers, foamed plastic polymers, open-cell or closed-cell foam materials, open-cell mixed with closed-cell foam materials, silicone foam, polyurethane foam, expanded polypropylene foam, expanded polyethylene foam, melamine foam, a low-density polyether, a polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene or a plastic or plastic composite. The coated scrubbing device can be made of thermochromic polyurethane foam or polyurethane foam or thermochromic foam. The coated scrubbing device can be made of a foam or sponge material that is more rigid and less flexible at lower temperatures and less rigid and more flexible at higher temperatures. The coated scrubbing device can be made of a reticulated foam material. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable materials for the coated scrubbing device but is not meant to limit the materials to these examples and any suitable material is included in and encompassed by this disclosure.

The protective handle can be made of any suitable material. The material of the protective handle can be the same material as the coated scrubbing device or the protective handle can be made of a different material than the coated scrubbing device.

The protective handle must be made of a material that is flexible, malleable and bendable and can be gripped and rolled down over the fingernails, knuckles and digits of the user with the thumb tucked either in front of or behind the handle. Protective handles being flexible, malleable and bendable in this manner, for purposes of this application, are referred to as “rollable.” While human hands come in a range of sizes and have a range of mobility, for a protective handle to be rollable as used herein requires that the protective handle be flexible enough that the average human being can roll the protective handle sufficiently to protect their fingernails, knuckles, and digits as described herein without requiring undue force, causing discomfort or distending the coated scrubbing device to the point where it cannot be efficiently used as described herein.

The material must also be rigid enough to allow the protective handle to control the direction of the coated scrubbing device during use. The material must also be strong and durable enough to protect and conceal the fingernails, knuckles and digits of a user from the back and forth and/or circular motion of scrubbing and contact with sharp objects and other dangerous factors in the external environment. However, the material must not be too abrasive or rough as to harm the user's fingernails, knuckles or digits during use or suitable optional attachments must be used for protection. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable materials for the protective handle but is not meant to limit the materials to these examples and any suitable material is included in and encompassed by this disclosure.

The coated scrubbing device can be the rectangular coated scrubbing device as seen in the accompanying drawings. However, the coated scrubbing device can vary in shape and size depending on the purpose for which it is used. A smaller and round coated scrubbing device may be used for personal hygiene or cosmetic uses. A triangular shaped coated scrubbing device may be used for detail work or scrubbing or sanding. The coated scrubbing device may be a square, a wedge or a polygon for suitable situations. A larger coated scrubbing device may be used for industrial purposes while a smaller coated scrubbing device may be used for household or cosmetic purposes. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable shapes and sizes for the coated scrubbing device but is not meant to limit the shape or size to these examples and any suitable shape or size is included in and encompassed by this disclosure.

The protective handle can be any shape or size to fit the underlying coated scrubbing device as long as the handle is long enough to be rolled to protect the fingernails, knuckles and digits of the user during use. Protective handles having a handle length long enough to be rolled in this manner, for purposes of this application, are referred to as having an “extended handle length.” While human hands come in a range of sizes, an extended handle length as used herein requires that the average human being can roll the protective handle sufficiently to protect their fingernails, knuckles and digits as described herein.

In the embodiments depicted, the coated scrubbing device is shown as being used with one hand. However, for larger coated scrubbing devices, the protective handle may be large enough to accommodate and protect both hands during use. The two handed protective handle functions in the same manner as depicted below in the drawings with the user placing both hands over the handle and rolling it downward and tucking their thumbs behind the handle for protection.

It is required that the entire coated scrubbing device be coated with a coating material. The coating material can comprise natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, or any other suitable material. It is required that the coating material be flexible enough that the protective handle can be flexed as described below. It is optional that the coating material comprise different thicknesses of coating material on different parts of the coated scrubbing device. It is required that the coating material be uniform in material composition over the entire surface of the coated scrubbing device. It is optional to impregnate a portion of the coating material which coats the base with a scrubbing or scouring material.

The coating material can be a post-mold spray-applicated coating (also referred to as a protective coating,) molded onto the coated scrubbing device, applied to the coated scrubbing device via a dip or drench, or by any other reasonable means. The coating material can be, without limitation, vinyl based, polyurethane based, acrylic based, or silicone based. One example of a suitable coating is available under the trade name Performix® and can be purchased at https://performixcoatings.com/foam-coatings. Performix® is a registered United States trademark, U.S. Pat. No. 2,520,833, owned by Plasti Dip International, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Minnesota, 3760 Flowerfield Road, Circle Pines, Minn., 55014. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable materials for the coating material but is not meant to limit the materials to these examples and any material is included in and encompassed by this disclosure.

Now adding FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to the consideration, a coated scrubbing device with a protective handle of this invention can be clearly seen. Coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 100 has protective handle 104 attached to base 102. Protective handle 104 is in extended position 132. Base 102 can be any desired shape, size or thickness. For purposes of this application, the protective handle 104 is said to be in an “extended position” when it is in its usual shape prior to any movement, bending or rolling by the user.

Exposed base material 102a and exposed handle material 104a are shown in cutaway for illustration in FIG. 1: in the preferred embodiment, coating material 101 coats the entire coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 100 as shown in FIG. 2.

Now adding FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 to the consideration, the protective positions 110 and 111 of protective handle 104 can be clearly seen. Protective handle 104 is a flexible and bendable material as is coating material 101. Protective handle 104, including that portion of coating material 101 which coats it, can be gripped by the user and rolled downward providing a protective and concealment barrier for the fingernails, knuckles and digits of the user. For purposes of this application, the protective handle 104 is said to be in a “protective position” when it has been rolled around the digits of the user in such a manner as to substantially shield the fingernails and/or knuckles of the user from contact with the material to be scrubbed and/or the debris from the scrubbing process.

The length of protective handle 104 is an important feature of the invention. Protective handle 104 must be of sufficient extended length 124 (not shown, see FIG. 7) to allow a user with any hand size to grip handle 104 and roll it downward and still have the fingernails, knuckles and digits protected and concealed by handle 104 during use. In the preferred embodiment, the extended length 124 of protective handle 104 is 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches) to 25.4 centimeters (10 inches). In a more preferred embodiment, the extended length 124 of protective handle 104 is 5.08 centimeters (2 inches) to 20.32 centimeters (8 inches). In the most preferred embodiment, the extended length 124 of protective handle 104 is 7.62 centimeters (3 inches) to 12.7 centimeters (5 inches).

In a first embodiment of protective position 110, as seen in FIG. 3, the user grips the protective handle 104 by placing the second, third, fourth and fifth digits in front of the protective handle 104. The user then rolls the protective handle 104 downward and wraps the first digit around a side of the handle 104 and then places it underneath the second digit for protection. Protective handle 104, in protective position 110, then protects and conceals the nails, knuckles and digits of all five digits during use.

In a second embodiment of protective position 111, as seen in FIG. 6, the user grips the protective handle 104 by placing the second, third, fourth and fifth digits in front of the protective handle 104. The user then rolls the handle 104 downward and places the first digit or thumb beneath the protective handle 104 thereby protecting and concealing the nails, knuckles and digits of all five digits during use. The only difference between FIG. 3 and protective position 110 and FIG. 6 and second protective position 111 is the placement of the first digit.

Now adding FIG. 5 to the consideration, the crevice cleaning position 112 of coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 100 can be seen. Base 102 can be used to grip while protective handle 104 can be used to clean. This feature is especially useful when coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 100 is being used to clean a tight place such as crevices between two surfaces 130. An example of this can be a space between a kitchen appliance, such as a stove, and a counter. Other examples can be for cleaning between spaced wooden or plastic slats of lawn or outdoor furniture and indoor furniture, grill grates, sewer grates, shower grates, drainage grates, louvers or slats in vertical or horizontal blinds, the lower frame of a sliding patio door and toilet bowls. For purposes of this application, the protective handle 104 is said to be in a “crevice cleaning position” when the user is gripping base 102 and using protective handle 104 to scrub a surface. If using the device 100 in a crevice cleaning position, it is required that protective handle 104 either be impregnated with a scrubbing or scouring material, or that an accessory pad (see FIG. 9) be attached to at least one planar surface of protective handle 104. It is strongly preferred that a detachable accessory pad be used so that when the device is not being used in a crevice cleaning position, it can be removed to maximize the usability of the protective handle.

Now adding FIG. 7 to the consideration, right or left lateral movement 126 of protective handle 104 can be clearly seen. Protective handle 104 has lateral movement 126 in either the right or left direction. Right or left lateral movement 126 is important to allow a user that is either right-handed or left-handed to grip protective handle 104 and place it in protective positions 110 or 111. (Not shown: see FIGS. 3 and 6.) Thus, right or left lateral movement 126 allows a user that is either right-handed or left-handed to comfortably grip protective handle 104 and apply the proper force to base 102 to effectively scrub the desired surface.

Now adding FIG. 8 to the consideration, edge scrubbing position 114 of coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 100 can be clearly seen. In edge scrubbing position 114, the top or bottom and edge of a surface or object can be cleaned simultaneously. For purposes of this application, the protective handle 104 is said to be in an “edge cleaning position” when the user is gripping base 102 by either the right side or the left side of the base 102 and using protective handle 104, and the side of base 102 which is not being gripped, to scrub a surface 130 having at least two sides with an edge between them. Thus, the angle between protective handle 104 and the side of base 102 which is not being gripped is in contact with the edge of the surface 130. If using the device in an edge scrubbing position 114, it is required that base 102 be rollable as described herein.

If using the device 100 in an edge cleaning position, it is required that protective handle 104 and the upper surface of base 102 either be impregnated with a scrubbing or scouring material, or that an accessory pad (see FIG. 9) be attached to at least one planar surface of protective handle 104 and to the upper surface of base 104 tangent to it. It is strongly preferred that detachable accessory pads be used so that when the device is not being used in an edge cleaning position, they can be removed to maximize the usability of the protective handle.

In edge scrubbing position 114, the user grips either a right side or a left side of base 102, placing the edge of the surface to be cleaned at or near the junction of the top side of base 102 and the right side or the left side of protective handle 104. The user then folds the protective handle 104 over the side opposite to the gripped side of the base 102. Thus, if the user grips the right side of base 102, protective handle 104 is folded toward the left side of base 102 and if the user grips the left side of base 102, protective handle 104 is folded toward the right side of base 102. Once gripped, the user then compresses the top and bottom surface of the object to be cleaned while moving the right side or left side of base 102 and the right side or left side of protective handle 104 laterally or circularly along all surfaces of the object to be cleaned. If the right or left side of protective handle 104 and the facing side of base 102 are equipped with a scouring surface or a scouring pad, this will also allow the creation of symmetrically finished edge surfaces on the object to be cleaned and/or abraded.

Now referring to FIG. 9, an additional embodiment of the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle can be clearly seen. In this embodiment, coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 100 is able to scrub or scour an object or a surface. In this embodiment, base 102 has bottom surface 106 which has an accessory pad 108. Accessory pad 108 can be a scrubbing pad or a scouring pad. Accessory pad 108 allows base 102 to be used for scrubbing or scouring objects which may require a scrubbing or scouring pad with different qualities than the coating material 101 which completely coats the coated scrubbing device and/or any materials which may be impregnated into coating material 101.

Coating material 101 can be a post-mold spray-applicated coating (also referred to as a protective coating,) molded onto the coated scrubbing device, applied to the coated scrubbing device via a dip or drench, or by any other reasonable means. The coating material can be, without limitation vinyl based, polyurethane based, acrylic based, or silicone based. One example of a suitable coating is available under the trade name Performix® and can be purchased at https://performixcoatings.com/foam-coatings. Performix® is a registered United States trademark, U.S. Pat. No. 2,520,833, owned by Plasti Dip International, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Minnesota, 3760 Flowerfield Road, Circle Pines, Minn., 55014. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable materials for coating material 101 but is not meant to limit the materials to these examples and any material is included in and encompassed by this disclosure.

Accessory pad 108 can be attached to base 102 and protective handle 104 through any suitable method. Some examples of suitable attachment methods for accessory pad 108 include adhesives, a hook and loop assembly, thermal bonding or any other suitable method for providing a secure and stable attachment. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of suitable attachment methods to attach accessory pad 108 to base 102 but is not meant to limit the materials to these examples and any suitable attachment method for providing a secure and stable method is included in and encompassed by this disclosure.

An accessory pad can also be attached to base 102 by attaching it to either of the upper surfaces, or to protective handle 104 by applying it to the right side, the left side, or any edge of it. The means and methods for attaching and using an accessory pad with the upper surfaces of base 102 protective handle 104 are identical to those for attaching and using an accessory pad with base 102.

FIG. 10 applies the principle of the invention to an alternate embodiment. Here, instead of coating the exterior of the scrubbing device, the coating material is impregnated into the cellular structure of the device, coating most or all of its individual cells with the coating material. For this embodiment, it is required that the coating material be silicone and that the scrubbing device be made of an open-cell foam. It is strongly preferred that the scrubbing device be made of a poly-ether or poly-ester foam.

Coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000, has protective handle 1004 attached to base 1002. Protective handle 1004 is in extended position 1032. Base 1002 can be any desired shape, size or thickness. For purposes of this application, the protective handle 1004 is said to be in an “extended position” when it is in its usual shape prior to any movement, bending or rolling by the user. Coating material 1001 coats the entire coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000. As opposed to prior described embodiments, coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000 retains the texture of the open-cell poly-ether or poly-ester foam from which it was formed, which enhances its scrubbing capabilities, but gains the benefit of the coating material 1001 to extend its durability and lifespan.

To create this embodiment, coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000 is formed of an open-cell foam, preferably a poly-ether or a poly-ester foam, and then coating material 1001 is forced into the cellular structure under sufficient pressure to impregnate the cells of the open-cell foam.

In use, it will be obvious to a person of ordinary skill that Coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000 can be used in the same ways and configurations described in FIGS. 3 through 10. If desired, the coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000 could be formed using a combination of the configuration shown in FIG. 10 and the configuration shown in FIG. 1, wherein protective handle 1004 is coated smoothly and base 1002 is impregnated with coating material, vice versa, or any combination. For example, the vertical sides of protective handle 1004 and the upper horizontal sides of base 1002 could be smoothly coated, to provide the maximum comfort, protection and cleanliness to the user's fingers and fingernails where they are most likely to contact coated scrubbing device with a protective handle 1000, but all other surfaces could be impregnated with the coating material for maximum scrubbing efficiency.

This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.

Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this tool can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A coated scrubbing device comprising:

a) the coated scrubbing device having a base and a protective handle;

b) the base having a top surface and a bottom surface;

c) the protective handle extending upwardly from the base at a substantially perpendicular angle;

d) the protective handle extending upwardly from a substantially central portion of the base;

e) the protective handle being aligned with the base to form a t-shape;

f) the protective handle dividing the base into a left side and a right side;

g) the protective handle having an extended handle length;

h) the protective handle being flexible;

i) the protective handle being able to flex toward the base so as to cause the substantially perpendicular angle to become more acute toward the left side and more obtuse toward the right side;

j) the protective handle being rollable;

k) the protective handle being a single protective handle;

l) the protective handle having at least two substantially planar sides; and,

m) the coated scrubbing device being completely coated with a coating material, the coating material being flexible enough to allow the protective handle to flex toward the base so as to cause the substantially perpendicular angle to become more acute toward the left side and more obtuse toward the right side without breaking or cracking.

2. The coated scrubbing device of claim 1 further comprising:

a) the protective handle extending an entire width of the base;

b) the top surface and the bottom surface of the base being substantially planar; and

c) the protective handle having a right side and a left side.

3. The coated scrubbing device of claim 1 further comprising:

a) a first accessory pad attached to the coated scrubbing device, the first accessory pad comprising a scrubbing material.

4. The coated scrubbing device of claim 1 further comprising:

a) a first accessory pad attached to the coated scrubbing device, the first accessory pad comprising a scouring material.

5. The coated scrubbing device of claim 2 further comprising:

a) a first accessory pad attached to the coated scrubbing device, the first accessory pad comprising a scrubbing material.

6. The coated scrubbing device of claim 2 further comprising:

a) a first accessory pad attached to the coated scrubbing device, the first accessory pad comprising a scouring material.

7. The coated scrubbing device of claim 3 further comprising:

a) a second accessory pad attached to the coated scrubbing device, the second accessory pad comprising a scouring material.

8. The coated scrubbing device of claim 5 further comprising:

a) a second accessory pad attached to the coated scrubbing device, the second accessory pad comprising a scouring material.

9. The coated scrubbing device of claim 1 further comprising:

a) a scouring material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

10. The coated scrubbing device of claim 2 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

11. The coated scrubbing device of claim 3 further comprising:

a) a scouring material impregnated into at least a portion of coating material.

12. The coated scrubbing device of claim 3 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

13. The coated scrubbing device of claim 5 further comprising:

a) a scouring material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

14. The coated scrubbing device of claim 5 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

15. The coated scrubbing device of claim 6 further comprising:

a) a scouring material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

16. The coated scrubbing device of claim 6 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

17. The coated scrubbing device of claim 7 further comprising:

a) a scouring material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

18. The coated scrubbing device of claim 7 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

19. The coated scrubbing device of claim 8 further comprising:

a) a scouring material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

20. The coated scrubbing device of claim 8 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

21. The coated scrubbing device of claim 9 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

22. The coated scrubbing device of claim 11 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

23. The coated scrubbing device of claim 13 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

24. The coated scrubbing device of claim 15 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

25. The coated scrubbing device of claim 17 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.

26. The coated scrubbing device of claim 19 further comprising:

a) a scrubbing material impregnated into at least a portion of the coating material.