Including Compartment For Soluble Solid Material Patents (Class 401/201)
  • Patent number: 10905291
    Abstract: In a washing element holder (2), which on one side is closed off relative to the outside (s) with a sponge material (5) having pores (4), a washing device (1) has a washing element (3) which has at least one synthetic surfactant as a foaming substance and the principal constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: New Flag GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Bürgelin, Daniel Krämer, Andreas Martin
  • Patent number: 10779691
    Abstract: A shower accessory for use in combination with soap and washcloth that produces a lather quickly. The shower accessory includes a member having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side. A portion of the member includes an irregular surface having a plurality of oblong protrusions that vary in size and disposed in a random pattern across the irregular surface of the member and designed to increase the total amount of lather produced by the soap. A concave portion is disposed on the lower surface of the member designed to allow the lather to quickly increase in volume. In this way, a user can quickly and efficiently clean themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Gilbert Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10448799
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sponge (20) including at least one cavity (22), distinct from the pores of the sponge 5 (20), capable of allowing the introduction of a liquid inside the sponge (20) to impregnate the sponge (20), the cavity (22) preferably having a bottom (24) inside the sponge (20), and emerging on the other hand on a surface (26) of the sponge (20) while forming an opening (28) such that the maximum distance between two points of the contour of the opening (28) is comprised between 3, preferably 5, still more preferably 8, and 25, preferably 20, still more preferably 15 mm or still more preferably 12 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: EURVEST
    Inventors: Pierre Klimis, Alain Luciani, Calude Mancel, Dominique Thiebaud
  • Patent number: 10368714
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, such as a sponge, scrubber and cloth used for cleaning having an embedded waterproof audio device. An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention also contemplates the cleaning apparatus having a cleaning portion attached to a decorative portion, where a waterproof audio device may be located within the decorative portion. Power for the audio device may be provided by a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, which is internally positioned within the waterproof audio device. The cleaning portion and the decorative portion can glow in the dark, have lights, and may be made of a variety of materials, colors, shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Karrima Muhammad
  • Patent number: 10016098
    Abstract: A personal care article is disclosed having a first compliant personal care composition in a first zone and a second compliant personal care composition in a second zone such that the first and second zones are defined by one or more barriers. Methods for increasing lather are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Edward Dewey Smith, III, Shawn David McConaughy
  • Patent number: 9781968
    Abstract: An apparatus removably attachable to a shoe with laces and a sole. The apparatus comprises a front side and back side, lower and upper opposite ends and opposite sides. The front side of the apparatus has a front pocket and the back side of the apparatus has a transversal strap extending between both opposite sides of the apparatus and a longitudinal strap extending from the lower opposite end of the apparatus. The longitudinal strap has an extendible loop configured to be removably latched onto a hook device located at the upper opposite end of the apparatus. When removably attaching the apparatus onto the shoe, the longitudinal strap is weaved through the laces of the shoe and the extendible loop is extended over the hook device so as to securely attach the apparatus onto the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TECHNOSLIPS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Meraw, Dean Dyckow, Eser Garipagaoglu
  • Patent number: 9763547
    Abstract: A personal care article is disclosed having a compliant personal care product and a first water penetrable substrate adjacent to the compliant personal care product. The compliant personal care product includes two or more compliant personal care compositions, such that each of the compliant personal care compositions defines one or more zones and each compliant personal care composition physically contacts at least one of the other compliant personal care compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Edward Dewey Smith, III, Shawn David McConaughy
  • Patent number: 9468353
    Abstract: A mopping system incorporating a multi-use absorptive storage reservoir of fluid retaining material for retention and pressure-induced expulsion of treatment solution to a surface being treated in combination with an independently removable cleaning pad of fibrous construction. The storage reservoir and cleaning pad are adapted to releaseably engage one another in juxtaposed relation such that the cleaning pad may be readily replaced during a treatment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CONTEC, INC.
    Inventors: John S. McBride, Jr., Jackson S Burnett, III
  • Patent number: 9380858
    Abstract: A cleaner inserts into an unsanitary drinking container to clean the container. The cleaner comprises a cleaning at least one abrasive exterior surface or brush on said cleaner. The cleaning composition can be dispensed from within the at least one compartment into the container for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: AQUALAYER, INC.
    Inventors: Mallinath Suralikal, Bharathi Suralikal
  • Patent number: 9364364
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive prosthetic device for manually challenged patients comprising a tube of moderately elastic material which can be stretched over a portion of the patient's anatomy, such as a hand, forearm stub or the like, and which can receive and firmly hold a variety of tools to enable the patient to perform numerous tasks which normally require the use of fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Faye Annette Williams
  • Patent number: 9227301
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel scraper assembly having a plurality of interchangeable scraper heads and handles and corresponding method for use. The scraper assembly further comprises a plurality of abrasive mechanisms, namely spring bristles, coiled springs, chainmail abraders and wire cloth abraders capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or otherwise damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning grills and ovens. Additionally, the invention may also be useful for shaping, adding texture to, stripping materials from or otherwise preparing a surface, including wood, metal or ceramic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: MIW Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Weinberger, Tucker J. Marion
  • Patent number: 9220378
    Abstract: A soap holding device for holding a bar of soap. A water permeable sheet of material is provided that has a periphery defined by a first edge, a second edge, and two side edges. The sheet of material is folded to have overlapping sections so that the sheet of material proximate the first edge overlaps the sheet of material proximate the second edge. The side edges are sealed closed to define an internal pocket within the soap holder that is only accessible through an open slot. The open slot extends between the overlapping sections from the first edge and the second edge. A bar of soap can be inserted into the internal pocket by sliding the bar of soap between the overlapping sections. Once the bar of soap is inside the internal pocket, it becomes trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Aleksandra Urban
  • Patent number: 8814457
    Abstract: A soap holding and scrubbing device for holding soap and allowing a user to scrub his or her body. An example soap holding and scrubbing device comprises a porous tubular housing having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. A seam is formed in the housing with the seam extending above the outer surface of the housing. A closing mechanism closes the second end of the housing. A securing mechanism secures the soap between the seam and the second end of the housing and maintains the soap within the housing. The first end of the housing is open with the soap insertable into the housing through the first end and positionable against the closed second end. The securing mechanism is initially positioned against the seam and, as the soap dissolves, is movable in general direction toward the second end of the housing thereby maintaining the soap against the second end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Judy Austin, Jack Austin
  • Publication number: 20130170890
    Abstract: A soap holding device for holding a bar of soap. A water permeable sheet of material is provided that has a periphery defined by a first edge, a second edge, and two side edges. The sheet of material is folded to have overlapping sections so that the sheet of material proximate the first edge overlaps the sheet of material proximate the second edge. The side edges are sealed closed to define an internal pocket within the soap holder that is only accessible through an open slot. The open slot extends between the overlapping sections from the first edge and the second edge. A bar of soap can be inserted into the internal pocket by sliding the bar of soap between the overlapping sections. Once the bar of soap is inside the internal pocket, it becomes trapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Aleksandra Urban
  • Patent number: 8444340
    Abstract: The dental treatment instrument includes a toothbrush having common brush head dimensions and a nozzle on the backside of the bristle pad thereof. The tip of the nozzle points backward relative to the bristle pad and is inclined away from the handle end of the toothbrush. The bristle pad is used as a rest pad laid against the cheek wall of the user for steadying the movement of the nozzle. In another aspect of the present invention, the toothbrush has a push-button-operated valve mounted in the handle end of the toothbrush for selectively letting water flow through to the nozzle. The push button is partly enclosed in a shroud. The push button is mounted in the shroud with a sliding fit. The shroud prevents water and toothpaste from seeping below the push-button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Alphonsus Best
  • Publication number: 20130121751
    Abstract: A soap sponge is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the sponge includes a top layer and a bottom layer of a porous polyurethane foam material, where the layers each further include a netted mesh. The sponge also includes a seam securing together a continuous portion of a periphery of the top layer and the bottom layer so that an interior open volume between the top layer and the bottom layer is defined by the seam. A mouth is disposed at an edge of the sponge and is adapted to access the interior open volume. The sponge further includes an elastic band secured to the mouth of the sponge, where the elastic band is adapted to maintain the mouth in closed position and to stretch open only upon the application of force to place a bar of soap inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Maximus Brown
  • Patent number: 8292533
    Abstract: A towel for cleaning vehicles and other surfaces is formed of a combination of microfiber material and chamois material and comprises a first relatively thicker portion; and a second relatively thinner portion. An enclosed region is formed in the first portion for receiving a cleaning agent or disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Christina Scott, Kevin Neighley
  • Patent number: 8282301
    Abstract: Described is a luffah having of a series of ruffles wherein a substantially dry, water-soluble, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is present on the ruffles at a center portion of the luffah. Enough cleaning agent or moisturizer is present to allow the luffah to be used at least once. A method of forming a luffah herein includes injecting a substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent at, or near, a core of a luffah which is then compressed around the injected cleansing and/or moisturizing agent. The substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is then allowed to dry into a generally dry, water-soluble, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent at the core of the luffah.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Larsen Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce T. Larsen, Bryan W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8226316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying insect repellant is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes filling a bag with powder, joining a bottom edge of the bag to a bottom edge of a sleeve adapted to removably cover the bag, and patting the bag over surface areas releasing the insect repellant in a desired quantity. The method includes providing a bag handle secured to a top edge of the bag and adapted to be grasped by a user to slide the sleeve down and pull the bag out. The sleeve is adapted to be grasped by the user when patting the bag over surface areas releasing the insect repellant. The method further includes providing a sleeve handle secured to the sleeve and adapted to be grasped by a user when sliding the sleeve back up over the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher J. Laursen
  • Publication number: 20120145191
    Abstract: A cleaning cloth for use with a steam mop having a housing mounting the cleaning cloth for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and a steam delivery system for delivering steam to the cleaning cloth. The cleaning cloth has at least one fabric layer that is configured to be attached to a steam mop and an encapsulated cleaning composition associated with the fabric layer and configured to be released by exposure to steam delivered to the cleaning cloth. A steam mop for use of the cleaning cloth and a method of cleaning with the cleaning pad is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Jesse J. Williams, Jeffrey A. Scholten, Jay M. Kellis
  • Patent number: 8142095
    Abstract: A sponge-like device with an internal cavity for receiving a carrier for liquid and solid soaps. The exterior of the carrier has a variety of design models and shapes; however, the carrier is sized to receive a conventional solid bar of soap or an amount of liquid soap. The carrier has a plurality of drain holes to allow the soap solution, as it mixes with the water during bathing, to drain onto the sponge. The use of the device is for washing oneself, children, invalids, as well as for scrubbing household surfaces like decks and siding, and also for cleaning motor vehicles all without the disadvantages associated with separate sponges and soap material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Renee J. Cutler
  • Patent number: 8137018
    Abstract: A bath sponge with integrated soap and a method of making the bath sponge. The method of making the bath sponge includes providing an assembly device formed with a base and two vertical posts. A polyethylene net is inserted over the top of the vertical posts and then the net is cut to a desired size. Folds are made in the net. Soap granules are poured into the net and are held within the folds, thereby remaining in the interior of the net. A rope is then tied around the net between the two posts, thereby stretching the rope so that the center of the net is joined thereby. The net is stretched making the folds alternate inside and outside of the net. The bath sponge is used for personal cleaning and bathing and allows the user to wash without the need for a separate soap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Julia Galván-Nañez
  • Patent number: 8061919
    Abstract: A sponge cleaning utensil has an inner core for holding a cleaning agent and encouraging the cleaning agent to be continually in contact with water drawn into the inner core preferably via a plurality of conduits which are preferably molded into the sponge material. The inner core is fabricated so as to be substantially larger than the solid cleaning agent therein allowing the cleaning agent free movement within the core. This allows water to freely surround the cleaning agent creating rich lather production and the lather to be easily removed to the surface. The conduits preferably have openings at a plurality of positions on the sponge exterior surface so as to provide even moisture and lather to all portions of the sponge exterior including the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jesus Salvador Alarcon Grajeda
  • Patent number: 8007194
    Abstract: A car washing appliance has first and second cotton sheets which are joined together about their respective edges to cooperate to define a cavity therewithin. An opening in one of the sheets enables access to the cavity in which is deposited a quantity of detergent. Preferably, the detergent is a dishwashing detergent. The present invention further contemplates disposing a grid-like member or screen within the cavity onto which the detergent is deposited which, in turn, acts as a time release for the detergent. Preferably, the detergent is a dishwashing detergent or gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Keither Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7919444
    Abstract: A bath soap bar including outer side and end walls interconnected to form a quadrilateral frame. Top and bottom covers are fixed respectively to the top and bottom edges of the frame and multiple internal cells of varying configurations formed by at least two partition walls disposed within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Robert George Snyder
  • Patent number: 7854977
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a foaming tool capable of highly efficiently producing creamy foam containing ultra fine bubbles in high proportion. The foaming tool includes a double-layered cloth body composed of vertically overlapped cloth bodies obtained by plain weaving synthetic-resin-fiber warp and wept yarns so as to cause them to alternately position up and down with weave textures of ?300 ?m length and width. The double-layered cloth body has an air layer interposed between the vertically overlapped cloth bodies. The double-layered cloth body is folded once at an appropriate center in the longitudinal direction thereof and thus joined edge portions are assembled and are stitched together to thereby provide a tab portion of gather. In such a constitution, below the tab portion, a foaming auxiliary portion produced by assembling of a cloth body having the same quality as that of the cloth described above is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Junko Kajiwara
  • Publication number: 20090311033
    Abstract: A bath product includes a flexible main body having an inside provided with a receiving space to receive a soap and a side provided with an entrance connected to the receiving space. Thus, the main body can co-operate with the body lotion or the soap to clean a user's body. In addition, when the main body is combined with the soap, a large number of bubbles are produced by the three-dimensional multi-layer porous hollow structure of the main body to clean the user's body easily and quickly. Further, the residual water contained in the main body is drained quickly by the three-dimensional multi-layer porous hollow structure of the main body, thereby enhancing the drying effect of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Chiu-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 7553784
    Abstract: A sheet-like cleaning material for a molding metal die formed by enclosing a cleaning member in at least two layers of sheet-like base materials, characterized in that the cleaning member is formed of one type of tablet-like, granular, or powdery cleaning member or a sheet-like or a plate-like cleaning member. The cleaning material for the molding metal die desirably involves a forming member together with the cleaning member, the sheet-like base materials are desirably formed of sheet-like fiber base materials with a porosity of 70 vol. % or more, and the sheet-like fiber base materials are used as the outermost layer of the cleaning material for the molding metal die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohito Hiromitsu, Hiroaki Nomura
  • Publication number: 20090116894
    Abstract: A multi-use washcloth made for retaining a bar of soap or shower gel for use in the bath or shower and assist the user from dropping the soap bar and wastage of the soap. Furthermore it can be used as an ice pack, and cosmetic bag. The washcloth is fabricated from soft porous and flexible cut into predetermined lengths and widths and stitched together on three sides and open fourth end forming a simple bag. At the opening of the bag a hook-and-loop fasteners are stitched to the two sides of the open ends. Hence it helps to retain the products (such as soap bar, shower gel, ice and cosmetics) whenever the wash cloth is being used in the various ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Catherine Smith Brantley, Patricia Ann Zamadie
  • Publication number: 20090110466
    Abstract: A wash cloth is made of all natural vegetable fibers and is particularly effective for exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin tone and sensation. The natural vegetable fibers are derived from the Malvaceal family of plants. The exfoliating wash cloth may include a pocket for holding bar or liquid soap while rubbing the cloth against the skin when bathing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Gwen Vanessa Thomas, Helene Sims
  • Patent number: 7517841
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to providing a cleansing article. The cleansing article generally includes one or more of a receptacle, a container, one or more segments, a material piece, and one or more of a solid cleanser and a liquid cleanser. The receptacle, the container, the one or more segments, and the material piece are each generally formed of an open cell material. In certain embodiments, the receptacle is used with the one or more segments to increase the activating area of the receptacle. As such, more soapy lather can be created via the one or more solid cleanser and liquid cleanser in comparison to solely using the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the one or more segments are held within the receptacle via the container or via the material piece. As such, the segments being held in such fashion collectively serve as a temporary reservoir for soapy lather created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Estella L. Coleman, Michael V. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7517166
    Abstract: An applicator includes a tubular structure having a front panel that includes a liquid impermeable material and an outer liquid permeable cover material. A plurality of discrete pockets are formed between the cover material and the liquid impermeable material. A composition is contained within the pockets and, in use of the wipe, the composition migrates through the cover material during use of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Laura E. Keck
  • Publication number: 20090038099
    Abstract: Described is a disposable luffah. During manufacturing of the luffah, a water-soluble pouch is positioned within, or attached to, the luffah. The water-soluble pouch may contain a liquid or powered cleansing and/or moisturizing agent. During use the pouch breaks down upon contact with water such that the contained cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce T. Larsen, Bryan W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7473044
    Abstract: A permeable soap holder and body washing device may include a permeable bag for receiving a bar of soap therein and for body contact during washing, and a gripping strap carried by a closed end of the permeable bag to facilitate manipulation of the permeable bag for body contact during washing. The permeable bag may have opposing first and second ends, with the first end being selectively closeable and the second end being closed. The soap holder may further include a drawstring for selectively closing the first end of the permeable bag to permit insertion or removable of a soap bar within the permeable bag. The combination of the drawstring and the gripping strap permits a user to control the soap holder to more readily wash the user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Zionic Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Chadd R. Collins
  • Patent number: 7461992
    Abstract: An applicator may include a first wall that is elastically deformable, at least in part, and arranged to take up a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration. The applicator may further include a second wall co-operating with the first wall to define an inside space and a plurality of bodies disposed in the inside space. At least some of the bodies may be pressed by the first wall against the second wall, at least when the first wall is in the second stable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Claire Griffon
  • Publication number: 20080292383
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to applicators and a method of coloring antiseptics. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to an applicator having a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Jesus Flores, Manuel Guzman
  • Patent number: 7419321
    Abstract: A hand applicator of encapsulated liquids, such as cosmetic, hygienic, and pharmaceutical formulations or household chemicals, of different viscosity. When the user squeezes the applicator in her hand, the capsule inside it ruptures, possibly with a clap, and releases a liquid that after being collected by the drain passes through the perforated dissector to get evenly distributed in the absorber and then evenly applied on skin or other surfaces. Inert and impermeable capsules ensure stability of stored liquid formulations. Pressurized capsules are easily tactilely located and crashed. A capsule may be permanently or elastically fixed within the applicator. The applicator may include several capsules that may contain different liquids. A refillable applicator can be refilled with new capsules and used more than once. A transparent impermeable back side the applicator enhances hygiene and creates visibility of the capsule. An impervious glove-applicator for applying hazardous substances is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Misha Tereschouk
  • Publication number: 20080166178
    Abstract: A sponge cleaning utensil has an inner core for holding a cleaning agent and encouraging the cleaning agent to be continually in contact with water drawn into the inner core preferably via a plurality of conduits which are preferably molded into the sponge material. The inner core is fabricated so as to be substantially larger than the solid cleaning agent therein allowing the cleaning agent free movement within the core. This allows water to freely surround the cleaning agent creating rich lather production and the lather to be easily removed to the surface. The conduits preferably have openings at a plurality of positions on the sponge exterior surface so as to provide even moisture and lather to all portions of the sponge exterior including the edges. Each of the conduits forms a pathway from a starting point on the exterior surface to a terminal point at the inner core. Each of these starting points can be located at any arbitrary point on the exterior surface area and be however shaped (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Jesus Salvador Alarcon Grajeda
  • Patent number: 7179007
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator has a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between the first and second sides. The applicator further includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity is externally accessible, and the applicator further comprises: (a) a material comprising absorbent and substantially non-absorbent fibers on one of the first and second sides; (b) an absorbent core on the other of the first and second sides; and (c) a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent the absorbent core. The applicator includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity is externally accessible, and the applicator further comprises: (a) a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent one of the sides; and (b) a rupturable fluid-containing reservoir located between the barrier layer and the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arthur Wong, David John Pung, Alejandro Cedeno, William Paul Dirksing, Thomas James Manske, Jr., Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Alan Edward Sherry, Kirk Wallace Lake, Jan Hendrik Maria Verbiest
  • Patent number: 7140063
    Abstract: A multi-use bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a toy, a holder of soap or like products, and a decoration. The bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) includes a toroidal sponge component (14) and can also have a removable attachment component (26, 30). The donut-shaped sponge component (14) is preferably made of mesh sponge material and is concentrically disposed about an inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) defining a central opening (12, 62) in which the attachment component (26, 30) can be removably secured. The inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) provides a ready gripping area which can be held for manipulating the bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58). The attachment component (26, 30) can be, for instance, a toy, a solid soap product, a container of a bath/cosmetic product or the like, a mesh netting pocket, or a knob-shaped hanging device (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) having a suction cup (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: James J. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7108440
    Abstract: An applicator (10) for distributing a substance onto a target surface, said applicator including a first side (24) having a first internal surface (32) and a first external surface (31), a second side (26) having a second internal surface (34) and a second external surface (33) and a flexible film dosing reservoir (30) containing a product. The flexible film dosing reservoir (30) is disposed between said first external surface (31) of said first side (24) and said second internal surface (34) of said second side (26), said product adapted to be release via application of pressure to said reservoir (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana Paul Gruenbacher, James Herbert Davis, Thomas James Manske, Jr., Kevin Joe Fields, Piyush Narendra Zaveri, Gary Curtis Joseph, Dean Arthur Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7014381
    Abstract: A soap holding device for holding soap while bathing and showering. The device includes a flexible bag for holding soap therein having an opening therein and a plurality of apertures therethrough. A flexible strap for looping around the wrist of a user is coupled to the bag. A flexible outer sponge with an opening therein into which the bag is inserted such that the outer sponge generally envelops the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Dwight H. Graham
  • Patent number: 6998373
    Abstract: Soap retaining pouch that is approximately five inches tall by three and one half inches wide. The pouch is made of polyester screening having a thread count of approximately fourteen lines per inch or one hundred and ninety six squares per square inch. An elastic band is centrally attached to the outside of the pouch at the right and left edge of the pouch's width. The pouch is closable at one end by a water resistant zipper. The pouch includes an overflap that covers the zipper so that the zipper is not exposed to the user's skin during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: James Lee Faines, Jr., Juanita Evon Faines Stinson
  • Patent number: 6957924
    Abstract: A textured film device formed from at least one layer of gathered textured film. These devices are capable of producing excellent lather when used with a cleanser and are soft to the touch. Other textured film devices include mitts, gloves, washcloths, and the like formed from at least one layer of textured film. Also provided are systems comprised of the textured film devices and at least one active material selected from cleansers; moisturizers, conditioners; sunscreens; shaving foams; tanning agents; anti-acne agents; anti-aging agents; anti-irritant agents; perfumes/fragrances; and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda McMeekin, Shmuel Dabi
  • Patent number: 6902338
    Abstract: A customized cleansing article provides the user with an assortment of one or more of skin cleansing, aesthetic, and skin benefit bars contained within a porous pouch. The toilet bars are characterized by a rigidity index greater than 0.2 Mpa at 25 C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhakar Puvvada, Thomas Morikis
  • Patent number: 6893182
    Abstract: A soap device includes a sheet of flexible netting-like material having a number of perforations and an outer peripheral portion, and a soap material is engaged into the perforations of the sheet of flexible netting-like material, and engaged onto the outer peripheral portion of the sheet of flexible netting-like material to form the soap device. One or more further sheets of flexible netting-like material may further be engaged into the soap material and superposed with the other sheets of flexible netting-like material. The flexible netting-like sheets may be formed into different roughness or coarseness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Chung Min Liao
  • Patent number: 6883994
    Abstract: A cleansing device comprising a mesh body, a cavity attached to the mesh body, the cavity comprising a pouch for holding a personal care product in the cavity such that the personal care product is transferred to at least a portion of the mesh body when the cleansing device is used. The personal care product is one or more beads filled with soap or lotion. The cleansing device may comprise a second cavity attached to the mesh body, the second cavity comprising a second pouch for holding a personal care product in the cavity such that the personal care product is transferred to at least a portion of the mesh body when the cleansing device is used. The pouch preferably has an elastic opening such that the person care product may be replaced when it has been used up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Sheryl Grogg
  • Patent number: 6871375
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bath sponge includes rolling each of a plurality of discrete lengths of flexible mesh-netting tube into a discrete substantially doughnut shaped band, each band bounding a central opening. Each band is stretched on a support structure so that the central opening of each band is at least partially aligned. Each of the bands are secured together at a first location and at a second location. Finally, the bands are released from the support structure so that the bands rebound into a substantially spherical bath sponge bounding a central pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Bradford Soap Mexico, Inc.
    Inventor: Suzanne Borcherds
  • Patent number: 6851883
    Abstract: A decorating applicator for use in a decorating kit comprises a self-feeding hollow plastic tube or wand having a sponge foam rubber applicator tip at one end and a base at the other end of the tube. The applicator tip is held in place with a plastic plug or cap mounted in the open end of the tube. A food dye is placed within the tube, water added and the plug with the applicator extending therefrom is sealingly mounted in the tube opening. The colored liquid is drawn onto the sponge tip through an aperture in the plug. The tip has a specific tapered configuration to facilitate decorating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventors: Joan Baillie Lamond, Linda Botcho
  • Patent number: 6851881
    Abstract: A scrub brush with a handle by which the user grips the brush, a two-part scrubber portion which provides the scrubbing action, and a connecting staff between the handle and the scrubber. The scrubber may be of bristles, springy plastic mesh, rag-like or sponge material. The scrubber is designed so that a portion of the scrubber furthest from the handle can be compressed into a small diameter cylindrical shape of such dimension that a suitably sized ring of solid cleaning agent can pass over the compressed scrubber portion. When the compressed scrubber portion is released from its restraint, it expands to the original shape and size, thereby confining the ring of solid cleaning agent between the two scrubber portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Slaboden