Wash Brush

Abstract

A wash brush for shower/bath that includes a handle and a brush head. The handle is attached to the brush head and there is a storage space within the handle, forming an internal passage. Liquids may be stored in the storage space and is in fluid communication with the inside of the brush head, allowing the liquid to seep into and through the brush head. The simple and compact design of the wash brush is ideal for travel and satisfied many different needs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a wash brush for shower/bath.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art design of a wash brush requires a user to first put liquid wash onto the brush head before using. Also, the prior art wash brush has a fixed length handle and cannot satisfy the needs of different users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to solve the technical challenge by providing a compact wash brush that is convenient to travel with and is easy to clean a user's own back as follows:

A wash brush that includes a handle and a brush head. The handle is attached to the brush head and there is a storage space within the handle, forming an internal passage. Liquids may be stored in the storage space and is in fluid communication with the inside of the brush head, allowing the liquid to seep into and through the brush head.

Preferably, the brush head includes a support frame, a cleaning element, an internal cavity inside the support frame, and a plurality of through holes on the wall of the internal cavity. The internal cavity is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the handle. The corresponding cleaning element is installed on the support frame. Liquid flows through the through holes to the cleaning element.

Preferably, the handle is a telescopic pole that can be completely stored inside the internal cavity. The compact design saves space for storage when the wash brush of the present invention is not in use.

Preferably, on the two sides of the internal cavity of the support frame are a plurality of through holes, which allow liquid to pass/seep through. Multiple through holes allow shower wash/bath gel to quickly seep into the cleaning element.

Preferably, on the distal end of the handle is an end cap. The end cap encloses the internal passage to prevent liquid from flowing out.

Preferably, perpendicular to the axis of the internal cavity, on one or both ends of the support frame is a limiting element to fixedly limit and position the cleaning element.

Preferably, the cleaning element includes an exfoliating layer, a cleaning layer, or a massaging layer, or a combination of any two. The exfoliating layer has a rough texture and the cleaning layer has a less rough texture that is more suitable for a user's body/skin. The exfoliating layer can be used for exfoliating and/or making suds or lather from shower/bath wash/gel. The cleaning layer can be used for cleaning or making suds or lather from the shower/bath wash/gel.

Preferably, the wash brush includes a handle and a brush head. The handle is connected to the brush head, the improvement being: an internal cavity inside the brush head, a plurality of through holes on the wall of the internal cavity, the internal cavity can be filled with liquid that can seep out through the through holes.

Preferably, the brush head includes a support frame, a cleaning element, an internal cavity inside the support fame, and a corresponding cleaning element installed on the support frame. Liquid flows through the through holes from the internal cavity to the cleaning element.

The handle is a telescopic pole that can be completely stored within the internal cavity.

The present invention has a simple design; it allows a user to clean hard to reach parts of the body without additional help from others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and is shown in the accompany drawings forming a part of the specification herein.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the wash brush of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a support frame of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the wash brush of the present invention with the telescopic handle in a collapsed/stored configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a towel sleeve of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support frame of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the wash brush of the present invention with a dual surface towel sleeve and the handle in a collapsed/stored configuration.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is the wash brush of the present invention for use as a scrub/bath brush.

FIG. 10 is the wash brush of the present invention for use as a body wash brush.

FIG. 11 is the wash brush of the present invention for use as a body sponge.

FIG. 12 is an alternate cleaning element with bristles.

FIG. 13 is an alternate cleaning element with a mesh sponge.

The reference numbers in the figures: wash brush 10, brush head 1, handle 2, first pole section 2a, second pole section 2b, third pole section 2c, internal passage 3, support frame 4, internal cavity 5, through hole 6, wing 7, end cap 8, lanyard 8a, limiting element 9, cleaning element 11, towel sleeve 12, drawstring 12a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, the below explain the embodiments in detail.

As shown in the figures, the wash brush 10 includes a brush head 1 and a handle 2. The handle 2 and brush head 1 are connected to each other. Inside the handle 2 is a storage space, forming an internal passage 3. The internal passage 3 can be filled with liquid, shower/body wash/gel, liquid soap, detergent, or other cleaning products and acts as a conduit for the liquid to flow. For example, shower gel or body wash may be stored in internal passage 3. Internal passage 3 is in fluid communication with the inside of the brush head 1 such that the liquid in internal passage 3 can seep into and through brush head 1. In the present invention, brush head 1 can be used to wash or tap a user's back, and also can be used to apply soap to a user's body, make suds/lather, and clean other items. The design of the handle 2 makes it easy to apply soap/reach difficult to reach spots on a user's back, legs, or elevated areas.

Specifically, the brush head includes a support frame 4, a cleaning element 11, an internal cavity 5 inside the support frame 4, and a plurality of through holes 6 on the wall of the internal cavity 5. Shower/bath wash/gel can enter or flow out of the through holes 6. Internal cavity 5 is connected to the internal passage 3 of the handle 2. The cleaning element 11 is fitted to or wrapped around support frame 4, with the cleaning element 11 completely enclosing the support frame 4 such that bath/shower wash/gel can flow out of/seep through the through holes 6 to the cleaning element 11. Perpendicular to the axis of the internal cavity 5, on one or both ends of the support frame 4 is a limiting element 9. The cleaning element 11 is fixedly positioned in the space between the two limiting elements 9. If only one (1) limiting element 9 is used, the limiting element 9 is placed close to the end of the handle 2 on the support frame 4 (i.e. the rear end of the supporting frame 4). On the other end of the support frame 4 (i.e. the front end of the support frame 4) is a soft material, such as a sponge. In the present invention, the structure and connecting mechanism of the cleaning element 11 and the support frame 4 can vary as known to one skilled in the art, and is not limited to the embodiments described above. Any design that embodies a brush head 1 that allows shower/bath gel/wash to flow out is intended to be protected within the scope of the present invention.

In the present invention, the handle 2 is a length-adjustable pole, such as a telescopic pole. The telescopic pole can be selectively adjusted to a particular length depending on the circumstances, to satisfy different needs. In particular, the present invention can be used by people who have neck problems, mobility issues, or other disabilities, where they have a hard time reaching the back when taking a shower/bath. When the present invention is not in use, the telescopic pole can be manipulated such that the telescopic pole is collapsed and completely stored inside the internal cavity 5. The compact design of the present invention saves space, and is convenient to store, especially suitable for travelling, for both business and pleasure.

The following example explains the benefit of the telescopic pole of the present invention:

In the present invention, the telescopic pole includes three (3) pole sections, namely, first pole section 2a, second pole section 2b, and third pole section 2c. In the center of all three pole sections is a hollow shaft, which is the internal passage 3. First pole section 2a is inside the internal cavity 5 and connected to the brush head 1, but can move back and forth in internal cavity 5. Second pole section 2b is inside first pole section 2a and can move back and forth in the hollow shaft of the first pole section 2a. Third pole section 2c is inside second pole section 2b and can move back and forward in the hollow shaft of the second pole section 2b. When in use, the length extension of each pole section can be adjusted depending on the needs. For example, when the maximum length is desired, each pole section may be pulled completely out of the respective hollow shaft. When the telescopic pole is completely stored within the brush head 1, the brush head 1 can be used as a sponge. Using a telescopic pole, the length of the telescopic pole is flexible and can be easily adjusted.

On the two sides of the internal cavity 5, the support frame 4 extends out into two wings 7. On the wings 7 are a plurality of through holes 6. The through holes 6 allow shower/bath gel/wash to seep through. The design of the wings 7 allows shower/bath gel/wash to seep into the cleaning element 11 from the internal cavity 5.

On the free end of handle 2 is an end cap 8. On the end cap 8 is a lanyard 8a. The end cap 8 closes off the internal passage 3 to prevent the shower/bath gel/wash from flowing out. The lanyard 8a is convenient for hanging or putting away the wash brush 10.

In the present invention, the cleaning element 11 includes an exfoliating layer, a cleaning layer and/or a massaging layer. The surface of the exfoliating layer has a rough texture and the surface of the cleaning layer has a less rough texture, making it more suitable for cleaning or massaging a user's skin. The exfoliating layer is for exfoliating and/or making suds or lather from the shower/bath gel/wash. The cleaning layer is used for cleaning, massaging or making suds or lather from the shower/bath wash/gel. The cleaning element 11 can be made of materials such as sponge, fiber, or cotton, etc.

The cleaning element 11 fits over the support frame 4. When the cleaning element 11 is damaged, it can be taken off and replaced with a new cleaning element 11. There is no need to replace the entire wash brush 10 because of a damaged cleaning element 11. This results in avoiding waste, protecting the environment, and is eco-conscious.

It is also possible to fit a sleeve/bag-like towel 12 over the cleaning element 11. The towel sleeve 12 can be a dual surface towel with one surface being ramie fiber 1, and the other surface being a regular towel/terry cloth material b. The towel sleeve 12 can be used to deep clean or to smooth out roughness/exfoliate. Depending on a user's needs and desires, different materials can be used for different purposes. At the opening of the towel sleeve 12 is a drawstring 12a or elastic band such that after the towel sleeve is fitted over the cleaning element 11, the drawstring 12a can be tightened to fixedly position the towel sleeve 12 on the cleaning element 11 to keep it in place.

For use, first pour adequate shower/bath gel/wash into the internal passage 3 while the brush head 1 is pointing down such that the shower/bath gel/wash flows through the internal passage 3 into the internal cavity 5. Then from the internal cavity 5, the shower/bath gel/wash seep through and out of the through holes 6. Due to the porous structure of the sponge, once the shower/bath gel/wash seeps into the cleaning element 11, with the addition of water, the brush head 1 can be used to make suds/lather or to clean. When reaching the back is necessary, the second and third pole sections 2b & 2c of the telescopic pole can be extended/pulled out for cleaning the back or applying shower/bath gel/wash.

Of course, the present invention can also have the following structure. Only an internal cavity 5 is in the brush head 1, with no internal passage 3 in the handle 2 and the rest of the structure remain the same as described above. When shower/bath gel/wash is needed, the cleaning element 11 can be removed to expose the support frame 4 so that shower/bath gel/wash can be poured into the internal cavity 5. After that, put the cleaning element 11 back on the support frame 4, gently shake the wash brush 10 back and back so that the shower/bath gel/wash from the internal cavity 5 can seep into the cleaning element 11, ready for use in a bath/shower.

To summarize the prominent features of the wash brush 10 of the present invention:

The wash brush 10 of the present invention has three usages:

1. As shown in FIG. 9, with the handle 2 completely extended, with all the handle sections 2a, 2b & 2c out, the wash brush 10 can be used as a scrub/bath brush to wash a user's back. The cleaning element 11 can be fitted with a dual surface towel sleeve 12, with one surface being ramie fiber, which is ideal for scrubbing the back.

2. As shown in FIG. 10, with the first handle section 2a not pulled out and remained inside the internal cavity 5, using the towel surface of the dual surface towel sleeve 12, it can be used as a body wash brush.

3. As shown in FIG. 11, the handle 2 is completely collapsed in the internal cavity 5 and acting as one with the cleaning element 11 becomes a wash sponge. The dual surface towel sleeve 12 can be removed. The adjustable length handle 2 fulfils the different needs of different users and is simple and flexible to use.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show alternate cleaning elements 11a and 11b for brush head 1. Cleaning element 11a has bristles. Different types of bristles for different purposes can be used, as known to one skilled in the art. Cleaning element 11a is a mesh sponge. The bristles and mesh sponge of cleaning element 11a and 11b can be on one, both, or all sides of the cleaning element 11.

The features of the invention illustrated and described herein are the preferred embodiments. Therefore, it is understood that the specification is intended to cover unforeseeable embodiments with insubstantial differences that are within the spirit of the specification.

Claims

1. A wash brush for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising:

a handle having an internal passage adapted to receive the liquid therein; and

a brush head connected to said handle, with said internal passage in fluid communication with said brush head;

wherein the liquid flows from said internal passage and seeps into said brush head.

2. The wash brush of claim 1 wherein said brush head comprises:

a support frame;

a cleaning element over and around said support frame;

an internal cavity inside said support frame having a wall; and

a plurality of through holes on said wall of said internal cavity;

wherein said internal cavity is in fluid communication with said internal passage of said handle such that liquid passes through said through holes to said cleaning element on said support frame; and

wherein said handle is a telescopic pole that can be completely collapsed for storage inside said internal cavity.

3. The wash brush of claim 2 wherein said support frame has two sides and said plurality of through holes are on said two sides where liquid passes through.

4. The wash brush of claim 1 wherein said handle has a distal end and an end cap on said distal end to enclose said internal passage.

5. The wash brush of claim 2 wherein said support frame has two ends and at least one limiting element at one of said two ends to keep said cleaning element in position on said support frame.

6. The wash brush of claim 2 wherein said cleaning element comprises an exfoliating layer, a cleaning layer, a massaging layer, or a combination of any one or two.

7. The wash brush of claim 2 further comprises a towel sleeve for enclosing and covering said cleaning element.

8. A wash brush for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising:

a handle; and

a brush head connected to said handle having an internal cavity adapted to receive a liquid therein;

wherein said internal cavity having a wall, and a plurality of through holes on said wall where liquid flows through from said internal cavity.

9. The wash brush of claim 8 wherein said brush head comprises:

a support frame;

a cleaning element over and around said support frame;

wherein said internal cavity is inside said support frame and liquid flows through said through holes to said cleaning element; and

wherein said handle is a telescopic pole that can be completely collapsed for storage inside said internal cavity.

10. The wash brush of claim 2 wherein a portion of said cleaning element comprises bristles.

11. The wash brush of claim 2 wherein a portion of said cleaning element comprises a mesh sponge.

12. The wash brush of claim 9 wherein a portion of said cleaning element comprises bristles.

13. The wash brush of claim 9 wherein a portion of said cleaning element comprises a mesh sponge.