Personal cleaning device

Abstract

Disclosed is a cleaning device for cleaning a person. The device includes a head driven by a motor. A housing retains the motor and the head such that the head is moved with respect to the housing by operation of the motor. The device also includes a cleaning implement for cleaning the person, the cleaning implement secured to a resilient member and the resilient member removably secured to the head. In another configuration, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a cleaning implement for cleaning between toes of the person. A motor is operatively coupled to the cleaning implement to move the cleaning implement in a washing motion. A housing retains the motor and the cleaning implement, the washing motion moving the cleaning element with respect to the housing.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/648,460 filed Jan. 31, 2005 and titled “Personal Cleaning Device,” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of personal hygiene and, more particularly, to a personal cleaning device for use in a wet environment, such as a shower or bath.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of body brushes and back scrubbers are commercially available. These items generally consist of an extended handle attached to a cleaning head. The cleaning head is typically a mesh cloth, a sponge or a soft brush and is arranged to scrub areas of one's body by manual manipulation of the entire device. However, persons with limited flexibility, strength and/or movement, such as by virtue of a debilitating physical condition, may find conventional cleaning products difficult to use. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved bath and shower brush assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a head driven by a motor; a housing that retains the motor and the head, wherein the head is moved with respect to the housing by operation of the motor; and a cleaning implement for cleaning the person, the cleaning implement secured to a resilient member and the resilient member removably secured to the head.

According to another aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a cleaning implement for cleaning between toes of the person; a motor operatively coupled to the cleaning implement to move the cleaning implement in a washing motion; and a housing for retaining the motor and the cleaning implement, the washing motion moving the cleaning element with respect to the housing.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a head having an attached cleaning implement, the head and implement driven by a motor connected to the head by a drive assembly; a first housing portion enclosing the motor; a second housing portion retaining the head; and a pivotal linkage connecting the first and second housing portions.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a head having an attached cleaning implement, the head and implement driven by a motor connected to the head by a drive assembly; a housing that retains the motor and the head, wherein the head is moved with respect to the housing by operation of the motor; and a pressurized reservoir for storing a dispensable material and a valve for selectively controlling the dispensing of the material onto the cleaning element.

According to one more aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a head having an attached cleaning implement, the head and cleaning implement driven by a motor connected to the head by a drive assembly; and a housing that retains the motor and the head, wherein the head is connected to the drive assembly to rotate by operation of the motor and pivot with respect to the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to a first example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to a second example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an example body portion for the cleaning devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 and dispenser for the cleaning device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an alternative example dispenser for the cleaning device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of yet another alternative example dispenser for the cleaning device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of still another alternative example dispenser for the cleaning device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an example brush assembly portion for the cleaning devices of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 8A through 8D are perspective views of various cleaning covers for the cleaning devices of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of another example brush assembly portion for the cleaning devices of FIGS. 1 and 2:

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of yet another example brush assembly portion for the cleaning devices of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of still another example brush assembly portion for the cleaning devices of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a cleaning device according to a third example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14A through 14E respectively are top, front, right side, rear and bottom views of the cleaning device in FIG. 12, the left side view being substantially a mirror image of the right side view;

FIG. 15A is an exploded view of the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15B is an enlarged exploded view of a pivotal joint between portions of the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a cross section of a handle assembly of the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a cross section of a brush assembly portion of the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 18A and 18B respectively are top and side views of an example mesh cleaning assembly for the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cleaning cover of FIGS. 18A and 18B;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are perspective views of various example cleaning covers for the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 21A and 21B respectively are a perspective view and a side view of an example foot and toe cleaning brush assembly for the cleaning device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example foot and toe cleaning brush assembly for the cleaning device of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an alternative example head for the cleaning device of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like components have been given the same reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different embodiments of the present invention. To illustrate the present invention in a clear and concise manner, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

Aspects of the invention are directed to a hand-held personal cleaning device for scrubbing areas of a one's own body or areas of another's body. The device includes a handle that is ergonomically bent to assist in reaching and cleaning one's back. Attached to the handle is a cleaning head in the form of, for example, a sponge, cloth, bristle brush, exfoliating pad, etc. The cleaning head can be moved relative to the handle by a motorized drive mechanism contained in the handle. For example, the cleaning head can be made to rotate or reciprocate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the brush assembly. The drive mechanism can be powered by batteries, which are also contained in the handle. The cleaning head can be detached and replaced with other cleaning heads. In one embodiment, the cleaning head can be or include a small brush to clean between one's toes (e.g., an elongated, small diameter sponge or brush). In one embodiment, the handle or a body member connecting the handle to the cleaning head can be elongated so as to have an extended reaching capability. For instance, the extended reaching capability can be useful to reach one's feet without bending, reach one's back without straining, or so that one person may clean another person from outside a shower or bathtub while minimizing the possibility of getting wet, thereby making the device advantageous for use in a hospital or nursing home, or to wash children or others at home.

Disclosed herein is a powered bath and shower brush assembly having, in one embodiment, a multi-part body portion and an extended brush assembly portion having a moving head. A DC motor within the housing portion is linked to drive the moving head. Removable and replaceable cleaning covers can be attached to the moving head. An area of the body portion is made to accept a reservoir for a material to be dispensed, such as, but not limited to, liquid soap. A pump assembly within the body portion provides means by which the material to be dispensed is pushed through a conduit leading to the brush assembly portion and distributed through the moving head onto an attached one of the cleaning covers.

In one embodiment, a cleaning device has a body portion and an extended brush assembly portion. Attached to the extended brush assembly portion can be removable and replaceable cleaning covers. The device can include a dispensing system with a reservoir and pump that allows for controlled amounts of material to be dispensed through a conduit onto an attached cleaning cover while bathing or taking a shower.

In one embodiment, a powered bath brush comprises of a body portion detachably connected to a lower end of an extended brush assembly portion. The body portion includes a hollow enclosure and can retain a dispensing system for a fluid, flowable or gel material to be dispensed, such as liquid soap. The body portion, being a first member, matably connects with the extended brush assembly, being a second member. A dispenser, being a third member, is accommodated by or connectable to the first member and/or the second member to form a personal cleaning assembly.

The body portion can be arranged to contain batteries and a motor disposed along a longitudinal axis of the body portion. A watertight or fluid resistant switch affixed to the portion can include a button detail(s) for power on and off. The body portion can also include a spur gear cluster operatively attached to the motor to provide a reduction of the motor speed and/or to achieve desired torque and operating speed. An output shaft from the gear cluster can operatively attach to the extended brush assembly. A set of shafts within the extended brush assembly transfers movement to a moving head, to which various cleaning covers can be removably attached.

Referring now to FIG. 1 shows a powered bath brush, or cleaning device D, used to wash the body while in the shower or bath, or other wet environment. The illustrated cleaning device includes a body portion 1, which can be constructed from multiple parts including, for example, first and second halves. The halves can be glued, welded (e.g., thermally fused) or otherwise connected during manufacture to form a watertight or water resistant enclosure. Detachably connected to a top end of the body portion 1 can be a lower end of an extended brush assembly portion 2. The body portion 1 and the brush assembly portion 2 combine to form a housing for the device D.

A top end of the extended brush assembly 2 can include a head 3, which is moveable with respect to the extended brush assembly 2 and/or the body portion 1. In one embodiment, the head can be detachable from the extended brush assembly 2, but need not be detachable. The cleaning device D can include a dispensing system 4, which can be at least in part removably attached to the bottom side of the body portion 1, for example. The body portion 1 can be sized and shaped to be grasped by a hand or a user, thereby serving as a handle for the device D.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative powered bath brush, or cleaning device D′. The cleaning device D′ is substantially the same as the cleaning device D illustrated in FIG. 1, but without a dispensing system. Ornamental features of both devices D and D′ will be apparent from the attached drawing.

With additional reference to FIG. 3 shown is an exploded view of the body portion 1 for either cleaning device D or D′. The body portion 1 can include a pair of body members 1a and 1b used to form a hollow enclosure. The body members 1a and 1b can be injection molded from a suitable plastic, for example. The body portion 1 can contain a DC motor 5 positioned generally along a longitudinal axis 6 of the body portion 1. The body portion 1 also can contain batteries 7 (e.g., one or more AA type batteries) to provide operating electrical power to the motor 5. It will be appreciated that other sources of electrical power can be used, such as re-chargeable power batteries or cells, a transformer unit having a DC electrical connector to connect to the device D and a plug to connect to a conventional receptacle, or direct connection to an AC power source (e.g., conventional receptacle).

A battery compartment door 8 can be placed over a battery receiving portion of the enclosure of the body portion 1. The door 8 can be removed to replace the batteries 7. In one embodiment, the door 8 is molded from an elastomeric material, such as urethane, to create a watertight or liquid resistant seal with the body portion 1. The illustrated door 8 can be attached by pressing the door 8 into an opening of the body portion 1 until the door 8 catches on detents of the body portion 1. A conductive metal contact plate 9 can be received within an integrally molded pocket 10 of the door 8 to establish an electrical connection from one battery 7 to an adjacent battery 7. In other embodiments, the door 8 can be made of plastic and can include a washer or o-ring to minimize water penetration into the body portion 1. Hinged attachment of the door 8 to the body portion 1 is contemplated.

Compression spring contacts 11 or other conductive contacts (e.g., bump contacts) can be affixed to a contact carrier 12. The carrier 12 can be retained by the body portion 1 to align the contacts 11 with terminals of the batteries 7. For example, the carrier 12 can be secured by receiving rib details 13. The contacts 11 can be electrically coupled to a circuit board 14 (e.g., printed circuit board) via wire leads 15. A push button on/off switch 16 can be connected to or disposed on the circuit board 14 and controls application of electrical power derived from the batteries 7 to the motor 5 via wire motor leads 17. A switch cover 18 can be disposed over the switch 16. The cover 18 can create a watertight or fluid resistant seal with the body portion 1. In one embodiment, the cover 18 can be molded from an elastomeric material, such as urethane, to provide such sealing properties and to be deformable so as to allow operation of the underlying switch 16 when pressed. A groove detail 19 of the switch cover 18 can be formed to assist in creating the seal with a corresponding opening edge 20 of the body portion 1.

A spur gear 21 can be connected to a shaft of the motor 5. An integrally formed pocket 22 of the body portion 1 can accommodate the motor 5. The spur gear 21 passes through an opening 23 in a rear gear cluster mounting plate 24. A pin 25 is connected to a spur gear 26. The spur gear 26 has an axis that is generally parallel to and located adjacent the spur gear 21 such that the gears 21, 26 mesh. An opening 27 (shown in phantom) in the rear gear cluster mounting plate 24 receives the pin 25 and is sized to allow the pin 25 to spin freely. A forward gear cluster mounting plate 28 includes an opening 29 to receive the other end of the pin 25 and allow the pin 25 to spin freely.

The spur gear 26 can include an integrally formed or attached smaller spur gear detail 30 located on a forward face that provides a rotational speed reduction of the motor 5 when meshed in line with subsequent gearing. A pin 31 is connected to a further spur gear 32. The spur gear 32 has an axis that is generally parallel to and located adjacent the spur gear detail 30 such that these gears mesh. An opening 33 in the rear gear cluster mounting plate 24 receives the pin 31 and is sized to allow the pin 31 to spin freely. The forward gear cluster mounting plate 28 has another opening 34 to receive the other end of the pin 31. The opening is sized to allow the pin 31 to spin freely.

The spur gear 32 includes an integrally formed or attached smaller spur gear detail 35 located on a forward face to provide a further reduction in rotational speed with subsequent gearing. A pin 36 is connected to a spur gear 37. The spur gear 37 has an axis that is generally parallel to and located adjacent the spur gear detail 35 such that these gears mesh. An opening 38 in the rear gear cluster mounting plate 24 receives the pin 36 and is sized to allow the pin 36 to spin freely. The forward gear cluster mounting plate 28 includes another opening 39 to receive the other end of the pin 36. The opening is also sized to allow the pin 36 to spin freely.

The spur gear 37 includes an integrally formed or attached smaller spur gear detail 40 located on a forward face providing a further reduction in rotational speed with subsequent gearing. A pin 41 is connected to a spur gear 42. The spur gear 42 has an axis that is generally parallel to and located adjacent the spur gear detail 40 such that these gears mesh. An opening 43 (shown in phantom) in the rear gear cluster mounting plate 24 receives the pin 41 and is sized to allow the pin 41 to spin freely. The forward gear cluster mounting plate 28 includes an opening 44 to receive the other end of the pin 41. The opening is sized to allow the pin 41 to spin freely.

Rib details 45 in the portion 1 can be used to receive and retain edges of the rear gear cluster mounting plate 24 and the forward gear cluster mounting plate 28.

An extended forward portion 46 of the pin 41 passes through and extends beyond a front face of the forward gear cluster mounting plate 28. Therefore, pin 41 can be considered an output drive shaft of the above-described gear assembly G. A drive socket 47 is connectable to the forward portion 46 of pin 41. For example, the socket 47 can have a longitudinal axis and a hub 48 protruding from the rear face. A bore 49 (shown in phantom) runs through the hub 48 and is sized to be press fit onto the extended portion 46 of the pin 41. Therefore, the drive socket 47 is secured to the output drive shaft of the gear assembly G. The drive socket 47 can include a pocket 50 in a forward end that operatively attaches to a corresponding member of the brush assembly portion 2 (FIG. 1). The pocket 50 can have, for example, a square or hex-shaped cross-section.

The dispenser 4, in one embodiment, can be arranged in similar fashion to a conventional bottle pump assembly 51. The pump assembly 51 can have a longitudinal portion that fits into an integrally molded pocket P of the body portion 1. A collar 52 disposed at a rear face of the pump assembly 51 can have internal threads 53 (shown in phantom) that correspond to and receive external threads 54 located around a periphery of a top neck 55 of a bottle 56. The threaded connection of the bottle 56 to the pump assembly 51 allows for removal of the bottle 56 for repeated filling with a material to be dispensed. As used herein, a material to be dispensed can include, without limitation, liquid soap, a water and soap solution, bath oil, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, mineral oil, skin cream or lotion, medicated preparations or the like, or combinations of materials.

The bottle 56, which has a generally elongated configuration, can be disposed adjacent the body portion 1, such as being positioned under the body portion 1 as best illustrated in FIG. 1. A lever 57 operatively attaches to the pump assembly 51 to provide manual means by which the pump 51 is activated and material is siphoned from the bottle 56 through a tube T and out of a forward opening 58 of the pump assembly 51. The forward opening 58 operatively (e.g., fluidically) attaches to a corresponding member of the extended brush assembly portion 2.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment for the dispenser. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a drive socket 59 is provided. The drive socket 59 can be configured to have generally the same features as drive socket 47 (FIG. 3) and further include an eccentric lobe detail 60. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the drive socket 59 replaces the drive socket 47.

A pump assembly fits within a corresponding pocket 61 of the body portion 1. The pump assembly has a longitudinal axis and consists of a forward exit piece 62 that operatively attaches to a corresponding member of the extended brush assembly portion 2. The backside of the forward exit piece 62 includes a bore 63 (shown in phantom) that receives a compression spring 64, followed by a ball stop 65. A retaining cap 66 is aligned with the bore and is affixed to a lip 67 protruding from the backside of the forward exit piece 62. An inner bore 68 (shown in phantom) passing through the retaining cap 66 has a forward edge with a spherical profile that matches that of the ball stop 65. The backside of the retaining cap 66 has an outside diameter that is pressed into to a front end of a length of resilient tubing 69. For example, the tubing 69 can be made from vinyl or a similar material that is capable of being deformed by external pressure asserted against a side wall of the tubing 69 and is able to substantially return to its original shape. The front end of a second retainer cap 70 maintains an outside diameter that presses into the back end of the length of tubing 69. A compression spring 71 having an outside diameter slightly larger than a bore 72 running through the retaining cap 70 is received by a larger diameter pocket (not shown). A ball stop 73 is located in back of the compression spring 71. A bottle attaching collar 74 shares the longitudinal axis of the forgoing components and includes a hub 75 protruding from a front face that presses into the larger diameter pocket within the back face of the retaining cap 70. A bore 76 running through the bottle attaching collar 74 has a spherical front edge that corresponds to the ball stop 73. A bottle 56 is detachably connected to the backside of the bottle-attaching collar 74. If desired a tube can extend into the bottle 56 from the collar 74.

The lobe detail 60 of the drive socket 59 can be disposed with respect to the tubing 69 so that, upon rotation of the motor 5, the eccentric lobe detail 60 turns in and out of contact with the exterior sidewall of the tubing 69. While the lobe 60 is in contact with the tube 69, the sidewall of the tubing 69 can be inwardly deformed. Upon inward deformation of the tubing 69, the inner volume of the tubing is at least partially purged of its contents by way of the forward ball stop 65. During this action, the rear ball stop 73 minimizes backward flow toward the bottle 56. As the tubing 69 returns to shape, the inner volume is filled by a resultant vacuum action and by way of the rear ball stop 73. During this action, the forward ball stop 65 minimizes forward flow toward the forward exit piece 62. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment, pumping of material from the bottle 56 is powered. If desired, pumping from the bottle 56 can be made independent of motion of the head 3. For example, the pumping can be driven by a second motor, selectively engaged using a clutch, gearing or other linkage, and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 5 another example dispensing mechanism is shown. A lever 77 is operatively attached to an open/close valve assembly 78 having a longitudinal axis. The open/close valve assembly fits within a pocket 79 of the body portion 1. A front face of the open/close valve assembly 78 operatively attaches to a corresponding member of the extended brush assembly portion 2 (FIG. 1). A bore 80 (shown in phantom) in the open/close valve assembly 78 receives a central pin 81, which is suspended by ribs extending from the inside diameter of the bore 80.

A compression spring 82 is contained and attached to a backside of a lower corresponding pocket 83 of the body portion 1. In an uncompressed state, the front end of the spring 82 can be located forward of a back edge of a bottom opening 84 of the body portion 1. A push tip 85 presses into and attaches to the front end of the spring 82. A cartridge 86 having a longitudinal axis is hollow and receives a plunger 87 from an open back end. Prior to insertion of the plunger 87, the cartridge 86 is filled with material to be dispensed (e.g., liquid soap) and the plunger 87 is inserted just below the open back end so as to keep the material from spilling out of the cartridge 86. A front valve cap 88 has an inner bore 89 having a back spherical edge that matches the diameter of a ball stop 90. The ball stop 90 is placed into the backside of the valve cap 88 and into the inner bore 89. A compression spring 91 is placed over the ball stop 90. A spring stop 92 fits within the inside diameter of the cartridge 86, and rests on an integral inner lip detail 93 located near the forward end of the cartridge 86. The front valve cap 88 has a larger diameter bore in a back face that is pressed onto a forward outside diameter step 94 of the cartridge 86.

A full cartridge 86 can be inserted through the bottom opening 84, back end first. As the front face of the push tip 85 comes into contact with the back face of the plunger 87 and, when the cartridge is fully inserted, the compression spring 82 contained within the pocket 83 becomes compressed. Resultant pressure created behind the volume defined by the cartridge 86 is adequate to purge and empty the cartridge 86 through the front valve cap 88 when the ball stop 90 is opened by the central pin 81. As will be appreciated, the central pin 81 is operatively attached to the open/close valve assembly 78 and controlled by the lever 77.

FIG. 6 shows yet another example dispensing mechanism. The embodiment of FIG. 6 creates back pressure to empty a cartridge in similar manner to that described for the embodiment of FIG. 5. The operation of the open/close valve assembly 78, pin 81 and lever 77 are substantially the same as that described with respect to FIG. 5 and will not be repeated.

A hollow cartridge 95 is provided. A back cap 96 has a front-side bore 97 that accommodates an umbrella valve 98. A retaining stem 99 of the umbrella valve 98 fits through an appropriate center bore 100 in the back cap 96. Openings 101 located adjacent the center bore 100 exit through the back face of the back cap 96 and allow air to pass through the umbrella valve 98 in a forward direction. A pump button 102 aligns with the components and has an inner bore 103. The bore 103 steps down to a smaller diameter bore 104 (shown in phantom) that opens at a back face of the pump button 102. The forward inside edge of the bore 104 has a spherical profile having a mating diameter to a ball stop 105. A compression spring 106 fits over the ball stop 105. The pump button 102, with the inner components, attaches over the rear outside diameter of the back cap 96 with a generally airtight seal.

A front valve cap 107 has an inner bore 108 with a rearward spherical edge that matches a diameter of a ball stop 109. The ball stop 109 is placed from the backside of the front valve cap 107 into the inner bore 108. A compression spring 110 is placed over the ball stop 109, and a spring retainer washer 111 is pressed over the spring 110 and affixed within the back face bore of the front valve cap 107. An internally threaded collar 112 is positioned at the rear end of the front valve cap 107, and mates with an externally threaded portion at the front end of the cartridge 95. Prior to attaching the front valve cap onto the cartridge 95, a plunger 113 is placed into the front open end of the cartridge 95 and pushed to the bottom. The open front end of the cartridge 95 is then filled with material to be dispensed and the front valve cap is attached.

Upon pressing down on the pump button 102, air is passed through the one-way umbrella valve 98, during which passage at the other end is blocked by the ball stop 105. As the pump button 102 returns to position, air previously introduced is maintained within the cartridge 95 behind the plunger 113 by the umbrella valve 98, and the pump button fills with a further volume of air for later introduction past the umbrella valve 98. Thus, pressure adequate to force the plunger 113 upward and purge material out the front valve cap 107 is acquired after several strokes of the pump button. The user maintains pressure by repeatedly pressing the pump button 102 on an as desired basis as the cartridge empties by action of the pin 81 with respect to the ball stop 109 as controlled by the lever 77.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the body portion 1 can include the various components to result in selective movement of moveable head 3 (described in greater detail below), such as the batteries, motor, gears, linkages, switch and the like. These components can be included in the presence of a dispensing assembly (such as present for the device D of FIG. 1) or in the absence of a dispensing assembly (such as for the device D′ of FIG. 2). The following description of the brush head assembly portion 2, head 3 and various brushes is applicable to both device D and device D′.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7, a brush head assembly portion 2 is detachably connected to the body portion 1. The brush head assembly portion 2 includes a housing 114 having back edge clip details 115 protruding rearward from opposing side edges of the housing 114. Receiving catches 116 for the clip 115 can be integrally molded into the body portion 1 so as to hold the brush assembly portion 2 firmly in position. In an alternative arrangement, the housing can be integrally formed with the body portion 1, or attached using other means, such as adhesive or welding (e.g., thermal fusing).

A stepped shoulder 117 matching a back inside profile of the brush assembly portion 2 can be formed on the body portion 1 at the forward edge to further hold the brush assembly portion 2 in place. The stepped shoulder 117 can include a groove 118 around the outside periphery thereof. A washer or o-ring 119 can be placed into the groove 118 such that a watertight or fluid resistant seal is formed when the brush assembly portion 2 is attached to the body portion 1.

The housing 114 can have an open bottom and a bottom cover 120 can be mated with an open bottom edge 121 of the housing 114. Both the housing 114 and the bottom cover 120 can be injection molded from a suitable plastic. The mating seam between these components can be glued or welded (e.g., thermally fused) during manufacture to provide a watertight or fluid resistant seal.

An inner top face 122 of the bottom cover 120 has integral shaft-mounting ribs 123 protruding upward, which include pockets 124 sized to receive a first shaft 125 and a second shaft 126. The shafts can be made from, for example, steel. Shaft retaining tabs 127 (shown in phantom) can protrude downward from an inside surface of a top portion of the housing 114. When assembled, the tabs 127 can cooperate with ribs 123 to retain the first shaft 125 and the second shaft 126 in the pockets 124. In this manner, the shafts are supported on circumferential edges, allowing them to spin freely. The housing 114 and bottom cover 120 can be formed to have a bent, e.g., “elbowed,” to assist in allowing a user to reach certain areas on the user's body, such as one's back. As a result, the brush assembly portion 2 can have a change in axis at, for example, point 128.

The first shaft 125 is aligned with the socket 47 or socket 59. A drive stud 129 has a hub 130. A bore 131 in the forward face of the hub 130 is sized to press over one end of the first shaft 125. A rearward drive segment 132 maintains a geometry to mate with the inner bore 50 of the socket. Upon attaching the brush head assembly portion 2 to the body portion 1 and engaging the clip details 115, a fit results between the drive stud 129 and drive socket that transfers rotation of drive socket to shaft 125.

The other end of the first shaft 125 is connected to a back end of a universal joint 133. The front end of the universal joint 133 is connected to one end of the second shaft 126. The universal joint accommodates for the bending of the brush assembly portion 2. The other end of the second shaft 126 is connected to a hub 134 of a first miter gear 135.

A third shaft 136 is arranged to be generally perpendicular to the second shaft 126. An o-ring retaining pocket 137 is formed in a top face of the bottom cover 120. An o-ring 138 fits into an inside diameter of the retaining pocket 137. An o-ring retaining cap 139 aligns with the retaining pocket 137 and has a bore in the bottom face (not shown) that presses over to the outside diameter of the retaining pocket 137. A smaller bore 140 exits through the top face of the retaining cap 139 and is sized to allow the outside diameter of the third shaft 136 to spin freely within.

A lower extended end 141 on the third shaft 136 passes through the trapped o-ring 138 and protrudes beyond a bottom face of the bottom cover 120. An upper extended end 142 on the third shaft 136 fits into a concentric boss 143 (shown in phantom) formed on the top inside face of the housing 114. The receiving bore diameter of the boss 143 is sized to allow the third shaft 136 to spin freely. A second miter gear 144 aligns with (e.g., presses onto) the third shaft 136 and is positioned to mesh with the first miter gear 135.

A drive cam 145 is positioned in line with the extended end 141 of the third shaft 136. A bore 146 through the drive cam 145 presses over and is secured to the extended end 141. An offset post 147 protrudes from the lower face of the drive cam 145 and is received by a self-lubricating bearing 148. The post 147 is sized to spin freely within the bearing 148, which can include a top flange 149.

As will become more apparent below, a moving head 150 has a dimension to provide a suitable area of coverage while washing. The head 150 has a laterally disposed center slot 151 through the top face. The center axis 152 of the center slot 151 aligns with the axis of the third shaft 136, and can be generally perpendicular to the third shaft 136. The axis 152 of the slot 151 also can be generally perpendicular to the axis of the second shaft 126. Clip details 153 are formed to protrude beyond a bottom face of the housing 114. The clip details 153 can provide means of operatively attaching the moving head 150 by passage through accommodating slots 154 on the head 150 that are disposed in generally perpendicular arrangement to the axis 152. When clip details 153 are pushed through the slots 154, a snap fit can retain the head 150 to the housing 114. The slots 154 are sized to allow the head 150 to slide freely with respect to the clip details 153. The flange 149 of the bearing 148 can rest on the top face of the head 150. The lower outside diameter 155 of the bearing 148 fits within the center slot 151 such that it is able to slide freely from side to side while pushing the head 150 forward and back.

As will be appreciated, the linkage of the head 150 to the motor 5 allows the rotational movement of the motor 5 to be translated to a reciprocating movement of the head 150. In the illustrated example, the head 150 moves with respect to the remainder of the device D or D′ and along a longitudinal axis of the device D or D′. It is contemplated that the head can be made to move in other directions and/or pivot with respect to the rest of the device D or D′. For example, the head 150 can be made to rotate about a fixed axis, rotate and move in reciprocating fashion, move in a random orbit, vibrate, oscillate, swing, pivot, and so forth.

A member 156, which can have resilient properties, can be removably attached to the head 150. The ring 156 can be made from a somewhat elastomeric material, for example, a urethane or other suitable material. In one embodiment, the member 156 is annular, but need not be round. Accordingly, the member 156 will also be referred to herein as an attaching ring. A groove 157 can be formed into an inside wall of the attaching ring 156 and the edge of the head 150 can be placed within the groove 157 to selectively secure the ring 156 to the head 150. Slight stretching of the ring 156 will allow the groove to slip into or out of engagement with the edge of the head 150. The ring 156 and corresponding head 150 can be oval as shown, or other suitable shape, such as circular, square, rectangular and so forth.

In one embodiment, a washing cloth 158 is securely attached to the ring 156. The cloth 158 can be formed from, for example, a mesh material, “terry cloth”, or other woven or non-woven fabric. The cloth 158 can be suitably arranged to provide adequate comfort and coverage while washing with the device D or D′.

In embodiments having a dispenser, the bottom cover 120 can include a tube mounting rib(s) 159 (shown in phantom) protruding downward from a bottom face of the cover 120. The mounting rib 159 can include a pocket 160 to receive and retain a length of tubing 161. The tubing 161 serves as a conduit through which material can be delivered to an area inside the ring 156 (e.g., for application to the illustrated upper side of the cloth 158). The tubing 161 can be made from vinyl or similar semi-rigid material. A tube fitting 162 having a forward end 163 can be inserted into and secured by one end of the tubing 161. A mounting arm 164 integral to the fitting 162 can be received by and secured to a corresponding notch 165 of the bottom cover 120. A rearward end 166 of the fitting 162 fits into the forward opening 58 of the pump assembly 51 (or the forward exit piece 62 or the open/close valve assembly 78).

The rearward end 166 has an outer groove 167 that accommodates an o-ring 168. The o-ring 168 can create a fluid-tight seal between the fitting 162 and any of the previously described dispensing assemblies. A bore 169 passes through the fitting 162 as an open conduit for a dispensed material. The other end of the tubing 161 is fitted to pass through a slot 170 in the head 150 and has a terminating end directed through the ring 156 (e.g., toward an interior surface of the washing cloth 158). In this manner material can be dispensed during use of the device D.

When electrical power is delivered to the motor 5, the motor 5 will rotate and that motion is transferred through the gear cluster assembly G that in turn connects to and rotates the drive socket. The drive socket transfers its motion towards the head 150 via the shafts and associated interconnected linkages and/or gears. As a result, the drive cam 145 rotates and the offset pin 147 can spin relative to the bearing 148. The bearing 148 is driven from side to side within the center slot 151 while the clip details 153 allow a coordinated front to back motion of the head 150. As a result, rotational movement is transferred to a reciprocal of the head 150.

FIGS. 8A through 8D show a variety of example cleaning covers that can be attached to the head 150. In other embodiments, the cleaning implement portion of the cleaning cover can be secured directly to the head 150. Other cleaning implements in addition to those illustrated can include, for example, an exfoliating pad, a cleaning pad, an abrasive pad, a lava or pumice stone, rubber or plastic fingers, a towel, and so forth, as well as combinations of any of the implements described herein. FIG. 8A illustrates cleaning cover with the washing cloth 158, such as the washing cloth described above with respect to FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B shows a sponge 171 connected to the ring 156. The sponge 171 can have a larger profile than the ring 156. Similar to the washing cloth 158, a top surface of the sponge 171 can be securely fastened to a bottom surface of the attaching ring 156.

FIG. 8C shows a bristle brush 172 that includes relatively soft bristles secured to a mounting member M. The mounting member M is, in turn, secured to the bottom surface of the ring 156. The mounting member M can be made of a material or have openings that allow dispensed material to flow from an upper surface of the mounting member M to the bristles on the lower surface of the mounting member M. For instance, the mounting member can be made from rubber, fabric, a nylon weave, etc. The bristles can extend continuously across the mounting member M (e.g., a uniform field of bristles across the area defined by the ring 156) or non-continuously across the mounting member M (e.g., a ring-like pattern of bristles that follow the contour of ring 156). In another embodiment, the bristles are attached to the ring 156 and no mounting member is present.

FIG. 8D shows a cleaning cover having a sponge 187 connected to a ring 156 in similar manner to the way in which the sponge 171 is connected to the ring 156 in the embodiment of FIG. 8B. The sponge 187 includes a finger 188 projecting therefrom. The finger can be disposed in a direction to extend forward along the longitudinal axis of the device D or D′. In one embodiment, the finger 188 can be used to clean between one's toes.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative arrangement for the brush assembly portion 2. In this embodiment, a center slot 173 passes through a head 174 in a front to back direction. Clip details 175 protruding downward from a housing 176 and are directed in a lateral direction (e.g., extend in generally perpendicular direction relative to the center slot 173). The clip details 175 are received by cooperating slots 177 in the head 174 that extend laterally (e.g., side to side) with respect to the slot 173.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the clip details 175 retain the head 174 to the housing 176. The clip details 175 are arranged to slide freely within the slots 177. As a drive cam 178 rotates, an offset pin 179 spins within a bearing 180. A lower outside diameter 181 of the bearing 180 passes through the center slot 173 and slides freely from front to back while pushing the head 174 from side to side. Rotation of the drive cam 178 is transferred to the head 174 as a laterally directed reciprocating (e.g., side-to-side oscillating) movement of the head 174 that is in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device D or D′.

Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the brush assembly portion 2 is shown. A drive shaft 182 includes a top flange 183 and is rotatably driven by rotational movement of the shafts as generally indicated by the illustrated arrows. A lower outside diameter 184 (shown in phantom) of the drive shaft 182 aligns with and is pressed into an eccentric bore 185 passing through a head 186. Alternatively, the bore 185 can be in the center of the head 186. Upon rotation of the drive shaft 182, the head 186 will rotate in an extended circular motion on an offset axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device D or D′. Such movement can be translated to a cleaning head B that is connected to the head 186.

The material delivery components of the brush assembly portion described with respected to FIG. 7 can be used in conjunction with the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, shown is another embodiment of the extended brush assembly portion 2. A housing 189 can include back edge clip details 190 protruding rearward to assist in attaching the housing 189 to the body portion 1. A bottom cover 191 mates with and fits within a bottom open edge 192 of the housing 189 and can be adhered or welded (e.g., thermally fused) therewith to create a watertight or fluid resistant seal.

A drive stud 193 is coupled to the drive socket 47 (FIG. 3) or socket 59 (FIG. 4). The drive stud 193 is connected to a back end of a first shaft 194. A spur gear 195 is connected to a front end of the shaft 194. Shaft support ribs 196 can protrude from a top face of the bottom cover 191. The ribs 196 can include a pocket 197 to receive the shaft 194 and allow the shaft 194 to spin freely. Shaft retaining tabs 198 (shown in phantom) extend downward from an inside upper face of the housing 189. When the bottom cover 191 is secured to the housing 189, a bottom edge of the retaining tabs 198 cooperate with the ribs 196 to retain the shaft 194 in place.

A drive cam 199 is positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the cam 199 is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first shaft 194. The drive cam 199 includes a crown gear 200 facing the gear 195. The opposing side of the drive cam 199 includes an offset pin 201. A second shaft 202 serves as an axle for the drive cam 199. Shaft support ribs 203 protrude upward from the upper face of the bottom cover 191. Pockets 204 of the support ribs 203 receive the second shaft 202 and allow the shaft 202 and cam 199 to spin freely. Retaining tabs 205 (shown in phantom) protrude downward from the inside upper surface of the housing 189 and cooperate with ribs 203 to retain the second shaft 202. The support ribs 203 are positioned such that the crown gear 200 meshes with the spur gear 195, and a ninety-degree shift in drive rotation achieved.

A drive rod 206 has a connecting arm 207 at one end that defines a connecting end 208. The connecting end 208 includes a bore 209 received on the offset pin 201 of the drive cam 199. The pin 201 spins freely in the bore 209. A screw 210 can be inserted into a receiving hole (not shown) of the pin 201 and is used to retain the connecting end 208 in place with respect to the offset pin 201. The other end of the drive rod 206 has a smaller diameter segment 211. The segment 211 is secured to one end of a length of semi-rigid (e.g., bendable, pliable and/or resilient) tubing 212. The length of tubing 212 can be made from vinyl or a suitable material that allows for slight compliance to flex away transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive rod 206. The other end of the tubing 212 is connected to a third shaft 213. Shaft support ribs 214 protrude upward from the top face of the bottom cover 191. Pockets 215 of the support ribs 214 accommodate the third shaft 213 and allow it to spin freely. Retaining tabs 216 (shown in phantom) protrude downward from the upper inside face of the housing 189. When the bottom cover 191 is secured to the housing 189, the bottom edge of the retaining tabs 216 cooperate with ribs 214 to retain the shaft 213 in place.

A concentric elastomeric sealing ring 217 has a groove 218 around an outside surface. The sealing ring 217 also includes a bore 219 through which the third shaft 213 is passed. The diameter of the bore 219 can be slightly smaller than an outside diameter of the third shaft 213 to form a watertight or fluid resistant seal. A top rib detail 220 of the housing 189 and a corresponding lower rib detail 221 of the bottom cover 191 can be received in the groove 218 to form a watertight or fluid resistant seal.

An attaching tip 222 can be secured to an end of the third shaft 213 that extends out of the ring 217. The tip 222 can have a front face bore 223. The bore 223 can have an inner groove 224. An implement attaching base 225 can be detachably connected to the attaching tip 222. For example, clips 226 protruding from a back face of the attaching base 225 can snap into the groove 224. Slots 227 located on sides of the attaching base 225 assist in allowing the attaching base 225 to flex when squeezed such that detents of the clips 226 can clear the groove 224, resulting in removability of the attaching base 225 from the tip 222.

A post 228 is formed on the forward end of the attaching base 225. A finger-like implement 229, such as a sponge, bristle brush, cleaning pad, abrasive pad, lava or pumice stone or the like, can be connected to the post 228. For example, the implement 229 can have a bore 230 (shown in phantom) to receive the post 228.

Rotational motion is transferred from the motor 5 (FIG. 3) to the drive stud 193 in the manner described above. The spur gear 195 meshes with the crown gear 200 of the drive cam 199 to rotate the drive cam 199. Since the drive rod 206 is operatively connected to the offset pin 201 of the drive cam 199, rotating movement of the drive cam 199 transfers to a longitudinally oscillating movement of the drive rod 206.

The tubing 212 allows the axis of the drive rod 206 to change angles with respect to the third shaft as the drive rod 206 moves under the influence of the offset pin 201. The third shaft 213 transfers the front to back oscillating movement of the drive rod 206 forward to the attaching tip 222, which reciprocates back and forth. This motion results in reciprocating motion of the detachable base 225 and implement 229. In other embodiments, the implement 229 can be made to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the implement 229 in addition to or instead of the reciprocating motion. In one embodiment, the movement of the implement 229 can be considered a washing or cleaning motion and the implement can be used to clean between the toes of the user. The implement also could be used to clean or scrub one's ankles and/or beneath one's feet. In one embodiment, the device D can be elongated to avoid or minimize bending of the user during these washing actions.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 through 14E, shown is another embodiment of a powered bath brush, or cleaning device E. A body portion 250 is formed to be comfortably held by a user. An extended brush assembly portion 252 is pivotally connected to the body portion 250 at an angle adjustment point 254. The portions 250 and 252 can generally have easily rinsable and/or cleanable surfaces, such as smooth body members. The brush assembly portion 252 can include a material dispensing system 256. In one configuration, the material dispensing system 256 includes a pressurized reservoir and valve for dispensing controlled amounts of material to be dispensed, such as, but not limited to, liquid soap. The material to be dispensed can be dispensed through a moveable head 258 onto a cleaning attachment 260 (FIG. 15A). The cleaning attachment 260 can include a cleaning implement and the cleaning attachment 260 is sometimes referred to herein as a cleaning cover, cleaning head or cleaning implement assembly. Ornamental features of the device E will be apparent from the attached drawing.

With additional reference to FIGS. 15A and 16, the body portion 250 includes a pair of members 250a and 250b. The members 250a and 250b can be fastened together to form a water resistant enclosure. For example, the members 250a and 250b can be glued together, welded (e.g., thermally fused) together, molded together, placed on opposing sides of a gasket and held together by threaded fasteners, or otherwise connected to form the enclosure. In some embodiments, the joint between the members 250a and 250b can be watertight or form a hermetic seal.

The body members 250a and 250b can be injection molded from a suitable plastic and include an integrally molded top recess 262 and bottom recess 264 on corresponding handle portions. The recesses 262 and 264 respectively receive a top cover 266 and bottom cover 268. The covers can be molded or otherwise made from a flexible, deformable and/or elastomeric material, such as polyurethane, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable material. The covers 266 and 268 can be directly molded onto the members 250a and 250b, mechanically attached to the members 250a and 250b or secured to the members 250a and 250b (e.g., with an adhesive). The covers 266 and 268 can provide grip to the device E when used in a wet environment as well as a water resistant cover over user interface components (e.g., switches) that are housed in the enclosure, but exposed by an aperture(s) in the members 250a and/or 250b.

The portion 252 includes an upper member 252a and a lower member 252b that form a hollow enclosure. The members can be made from the same material used for the members 250a and 250b and connected together in the same manner as the members 250a and 250b.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16, the lower member 252b includes pivot support pins 270 and angle lock supports 272 that have upper and/or lower locking notches 274. The angle locking supports 272 and pivot support pins 270 are integrally molded to member 252b or can be made from separately attached pieces. For example, the angle locking supports 272 and pivot support pins 270 can be made from a deformation and/or breakage resistant material, such as nylon, polypropylene or the like. A locking lever 276, which can be made from nylon, polypropylene or the like, is disposed over the angle locking supports 272 and pivot support pins 270. The locking lever 276 has locking ribs 278 that correspond with the upper and lower locking notches 274 to engage and mesh therewith. The pivot support pins 270 are rotatably received in slots 280 of the locking lever 276 and extend through the slots. Portions of the pivot support pins 270 that extend through the slots are trapped between cooperating rib details 284 of body portion members 250a and 250b.

A compression spring 282 has one end disposed against an underside of the locking lever 276 and the other end disposed against an inside wall of the body member 250b or other reinforcement member (not shown). The spring 282 biases the locking level 276 upward so that the locking ribs 278 engage with the upper and lower locking notches 274. Guide tabs 286 protrude from the sides of the locking lever 276 above and below the slots 280. The guide tabs 286 are received by and slide freely within corresponding ribs 288 of the body portion members 250a and 250b.

A flexible boot 294 encloses locking lever 276. An end of the boot 294 can be received by an upper surface recess 290 in body portion member 250a and a lower surface recess 292 in body portion member 250b. Similarly, the other end of the boot 294 can be received by an upper surface recess 296 of the member 252a and a lower surface recess 298 of member 252b. The boot 294 can be molded or otherwise made from a flexible, deformable and/or elastomeric material, such as polyurethane, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable material. The boot 294 preferably forms a water resistant seal with the members 250a/250b and 252a/252b and can be directly molded onto the members 250a/250b and 252a/252b, mechanically attached to the members 250a/250b and 252a/252b or secured to the members 250a/250b and 252a/252b (e.g., with an adhesive).

A button detail 300 on the top side of the locking lever 276 can be disposed under the boot 294. The user can apply downward pressure to the button detail 300 and locking level 276 by pressing an appropriate location on the boot 294. For example, a raised surface and/or graphic detail 302 on the outer surface of the boot 294 can serve as an indicator as to the location of the button detail 300. Sufficient pressure on the button detail 300 forces the locking level 276 downward to compress the spring 282 and disengage the upper and lower locking notches 274 from the locking ribs 278. When the notches 274 and ribs 278 are disengaged, the portion 252 can be rotated with respect to the locking lever 276 and portion 250. Following rotation of the portion 252 with respect to the locking lever 276 and portion 250 to change the angle between the two portions 250 and 252, pressure on the button 300 can be released. The spring 282 will bias the locking lever 276 so that the notches 274 and ribs 278 engage to minimize rotation of the portion 252 with respect to the locking lever 276 and portion 250. Spacing of the notches 274 and ribs 278 enable incremental adjustment of the angle between body portion 250 and portion 252. Over-rotation of the portion 252 can be minimized by a stop wall formed by the members 250a and 250b that engages an upper rear portion of locking support 272 when portion 252 is in an uppermost position or a lower rear portion of locking support 272 when portion 252 is in a lowermost position.

A motor 304 and one or more batteries 308 is disposed in the enclosure formed by members 250a and 250b. Contacts 310 forward of the batteries 308 are connected to a carrier piece 312 that is trapped by corresponding ribs 314 of members 250a and 250b. One or more of the contacts 310 can be spring contacts. Wire leads connected to the contacts 310 electrically and selectively couple the motor 304 to the batteries 308 via a switch 316, such as the illustrated pushbutton switch or another switch type such as a toggle or rocker switch. It will be appreciated that other sources of electrical power can be used, such as re-chargeable power batteries or cells, a transformer unit having a DC electrical connector to connect to the device E and a plug to connect to a conventional receptacle, or direct connection to an AC power source (e.g., conventional receptacle).

A raised surface region and/or graphic detail 318 on the molded top cover 266 can serve to indicate the operating location of the switch 316. In the illustrated embodiment, to complete a circuit connection between the batteries 308 and motor 304 so as to commence rotation of the motor 304, the user can push downward on the top cover 266 at the location of the switch 316 with sufficient pressure to actuate the switch and then release the switch 316. Similarly, to deactivate the motor 304, the user can push downward on the top cover 266 at the location of the switch 316 with sufficient pressure to actuate the switch and then release the switch 316.

A battery compartment cap 320 is detachably connected to the body portion 250. For example, the back end 322 of the body portion 250 can have an opening that can be covered by the cap 320. For instance, apertures 324 located in the top and bottom of the cap 320 receive corresponding catch tabs 326 protruding from the back edge of members 250a and 250b and allow the cap 320 to be pushed into position over the body portion 250. A contact stamping 328 secured to inner support ribs 330 of the battery cap 320 can complete a series connection between batteries 308. An o-ring 334 can be received in a groove 332 of members 250a and 250b to form a water resistant seal between an inner front lip 336 of the battery cap 320 and the portion 250.

The cap 320 can have a cover 338 to form a water resistant seal for the openings. The cover 338 can be molded or otherwise made from a flexible, deformable and/or elastomeric material, such as polyurethane, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable material. The cover 338 can be directly molded onto the cap 320, mechanically attached to the cap 320 or secured to the cap 320 (e.g., with an adhesive). To remove the cap 320, the user can push the catch tabs 326 inward by applying pressure on corresponding locations of the cover 338 to disengage the tabs 326 from the apertures 324 and then the cap 320 can be pulled from the body portion 250.

A hanger cord mounting hole 342 can pass through the battery cap 320 and outer cover 338. A hanging cord (not shown) can be inserted through the hole 342 and tied to create a loop, thus providing a hanger to hang the device E from a hook or shower head. In one arrangement, the cord can be a rope made from natural or synthetic fibers, including, for example, cotton, nylon or the like. In alternative embodiments, the hole 342 can be elongated to allow the device E to be hung directly on a hook or a hook member can be provided as part of the device E.

With continued reference to FIGS. 12-17 and as best illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 16, the forward end of the motor 304 is connected to a back gear support 344. A drive pinion 346 can be attached to a motor shaft 348 and the rotation of the motor 304 can be reduced through a subsequent set of spur gears 350. A front gear support 352 can be attached to the back gear support, such as by screws, to form a gear subassembly that is positioned and trapped between members 250a and 250b. The front gear support 352 includes a protrusion 354 to accept a self-lubricating bushing 356 for a gearing output shaft 358. The output shaft 358 is operatively attached to a universal joint 360 located between the pivot support pins 270.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 17, an end of a first shaft 362 is connected to the universal joint 360. The first shaft 362 passes through a set of self-lubricating bushings 364 that are retained by support ribs 366 of member 252b. The other end of the first shaft 362 is connected to a second universal joint 368 to accommodate a change in a longitudinal axis of the portion 252. An end of a second shaft 372 is connected to the second universal joint 368. The second shaft 372 passes through a second set of self-lubricating bushings 374 that are retained by support ribs 376 of member 252b.

A bevel gear 378 is connected to the other end of the second shaft 372. A retaining ring 380 snaps over a groove 382 in the second shaft 372 to maintain a longitudinal position of the bevel gear 378 against the bushing 374. A second bevel gear 384 is connected to a top end of a third shaft 386 and meshes with the first bevel gear 378 on a generally perpendicular axis to the axis of the second shaft 372. A pitch diameter of the second bevel gear 384 can be greater than a pitch diameter of the first bevel gear 378 (e.g., twice as big) to provide a further reduction of the output shaft 358 rotation. A radial bearing 390 is pressed onto the third shaft 386 and is disposed under the second bevel gear 384. The bearing 390 can be received in a boss detail 391 of an inner bottom face of member 252b. The boss detail 390 can be sized to provide a secured press fit with the outside diameter of the radial bearing 390.

The third shaft 386 extends through a seal 392 that includes a formed wiper edge 393. In the absence of the shaft 386, the seal 392 has an inner bore diameter less than the outside diameter of the third shaft 386. The shaft 386 flexes the seal 392 slightly outward to create a water resistant seal while minimizing rotational resistance to the drive system. The seal 386 can be made from a semi-rigid material, such as plastic or other suitable material. Specific material examples include polypropylene, polyethylene and TEFLON.

A distal end of the third shaft 386 extends into a head 394 that, in the illustrated embodiment, rotates under the influence of rotational force transferred from the motor 304 to the head 394 by the various shaft, gears and linkages described above. As will be appreciated, the linkage of the head 394 to the motor 304 allows the rotational movement of the motor 304 to be translated to a rotating movement of the head 394. It is contemplated that the head can be made to move in other directions and/or pivot with respect to the rest of the device E. For example, the head 394 can be made to rotate about a fixed axis, rotate on an eccentric axis, move in a reciprocating fashion, rotate and move in reciprocating fashion, move in a random orbit, vibrate, oscillate, swing, pivot, and so forth, or perform a combination of motions.

Continuing with the illustrated embodiment, the head 394 has a central boss detail 396 having an inside bore diameter sized to securely retain the third shaft 386 in press fit arrangement. The distal end of the third shaft 386 and the configuration of the boss detail 396 can be round or shaped (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.) to reduce the possibility of the shaft 386 slipping with respect to the head 394. In other embodiments, the head 394 can be made to be detachable and re-attachable from the third shaft 386 for cleaning and/or to allow direct attachment between a cleaning implement assembly and the shaft 386 or other intervening component.

Similar to the device D, the device E can dispense a material onto a cleaning implement assembly. As indicated, the material to be dispensed can include, without limitation, liquid soap, a water and soap solution, bath oil, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, mineral oil, skin cream or lotion, medicated preparations or the like, or combinations of materials. In one embodiment, the material is pressurized, such as by action of the motor 304.

An example pressurization and dispensing system will now be described with continued reference to FIGS. 12-17. With particular reference to FIGS. 15A, 16 and 17, the front gear support 352 can include a mounting flange 396 to which an air pump housing 398 is connected using, for example, a threaded fastener inserted into a screw boss of the pump housing 398. A gasket 400 can be placed between the mounting flange 396 and the air pump housing 398. A first umbrella valve 404 is operatively attached within the air pump housing 398 in line with an intake cavity 406. A second umbrella valve 408 is operatively attached within the air pump housing 398 in line with an output cavity 410.

A pump housing cover 412 is pressed over a forward outside profile 414 of the air pump housing 398 and can create a relatively airtight seal with the housing 398. The pump housing cover 412 can include an opening 416 in which a flexible bellow 418 is received. The bellow 418 can include a groove detail 420 that receives the edges of the opening 416 such to form a relatively airtight seal. The bellow 418 can be made from a flexible, deformable and/or elastomeric material, such as polyurethane, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable material.

The bellow 418 can have a stem 422 that fits through and is secured to an opening 424 in the top part of a cam follower 426. The cam follower 426 is disposed with respect to an eccentric cam 428 (e.g., encompasses the cam 428) that is connected to the output shaft 358. Upon partial rotation (e.g., half rotation) of the output shaft 358, an up-stroke of the cam 428 urges the cam follower 426 to collapse the bellow 418 and displace an operating volume of air within the pump housing 398 into the output cavity 410 through the second umbrella valve 408. Upon additional rotation (e.g., a complete revolution) of the output shaft 358, a down stroke of the cam 428 results in extension of the bellow 418. Such extension of the bellow 418 draws air in from the intake cavity 406 through the first umbrella valve 404 to replenish the operating volume of the air pump housing 398.

An air tube 430 is fluidically connected to the output cavity 410. For example, an end of the air tube 430 can be pressed over a receiving boss 432 of the front gear support 352 where the boss 432 has an inner bore 434 coupled to the output cavity 410. The air tube 430 runs forward into the portion 252 and is connected to a fitting 436 of a material reservoir R that defines a storage volume for the material to be dispensed. The air tube 430 can be made from vinyl or any other suitable material. The fitting 436 has a boss 438 onto which an end of the air tube 430 is pressed. The fitting 436 has another boss 440 having a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the boss 438. The boss 440 is press fit into a fitting receiving boss 442 protruding from a bottom member 444a that cooperates with a top member 444b to define the reservoir R. An inside bore 446 of the boss 438 is fluidically connected to an inside bore 448 of the second boss 440 and the bore 448 is fluidically connected to a bore of the boss 442 to establish a pathway for air to flow from the tube 430 to the reservoir R. A third umbrella valve 450 is operatively attached to the material reservoir bottom member 444a and within the boss 442.

The members 444a and/or 444b are preferably made from a clear or colored, but translucent, plastic material so that a user can visually assess the amount of material in the reservoir. The members 444a and 444b can be fastened together to form a water resistant enclosure. For example, the members 444a and 444b can be glued together, welded (e.g., thermally fused) together, molded together, placed on opposing sides of a gasket and held together by threaded fasteners, or otherwise connected to form the reservoir R. In some embodiments, the joint between the members 444a and 444b can be watertight or form a hermetic seal.

A fill cap 452 is detachably connected to top member 444b. The fill cap 452 can have a stem section 454 with a groove 456 in which an o-ring 458 is seated. A receiving collar 460 integral with the top member 444b receives the stem section 454 and, with o-ring 458, forms a water resistant seal with the fill cap 452. A cover 462 can be positioned over for the cap 452 to provide enhanced gripability to the cap 452. The cover 462 can be can be made from a flexible, deformable and/or elastomeric material, such as polyurethane, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable material. The cover 462 can be directly molded onto the cap 452, mechanically attached to the cap 452 or secured to the cap 452 (e.g., with an adhesive).

The member 252a can include a receiving collar 464 into which the receiving boss 442 is press fit. The member 444a and/or portions of the member 444b can be glued, welded, molded or mechanically fastened to member 252a. In one or more of these manners, the members 444a and 444b forming the reservoir R can be secured to the remainder of the device E.

The member 444a includes a dispensing opening 466 that passes through a collar 468 formed as part of the member 444a. The collar 468 has an outer groove 470 in which an o-ring 472 is seated. A valve housing 474 is located between the members 252a and 252b and interacts with the dispensing opening 466. For example, the valve housing 474 can have a collar with a groove 476 in which an o-ring 478 is seated and the valve housing collar is sandwiched between collar 468 and a collar 480 of the member 252a. With o-rings 472 and 478, the valve housing collar, the collar 468 and the collar 480 form a water resistant seal. The valve housing 474 has a lower collar with a groove 482 in which an o-ring 484 is seated. A collar 486 of member 252b with the lower collar and o-ring 484 form a water resistant seal over the head 394.

A fluidic pathway from the reservoir R to the head 394 exists through the valve housing 474. For example, the collars of the valve housing define an upper bore 490 and a lower bore 496 that are coupled at a constriction (e.g., defining opening 494) that is selectively open or closed by a valve. In one configuration, bore 490 terminates at a boss 492 of the valve housing 474. The opening 494 disposed relative to the boss 492 leads through to the lower bore 496. A stop 498 aligns with and is affixed to a sealing carrier 500. The stop 498 can be made of rubber or other suitable material. The stop 498 has a back stem section 502 that is received by a hole 504 in the carrier 500. A wiper edge 506 of the carrier 500 has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the boss 492 and creates a low resistance, water resistant seal. The stop 498 and carrier 500 assembly are attached to a release arm 508 using, for example, a screw.

The release arm 508 has slots 510 (FIG. 15A) that fit over and slide freely in a longitudinal direction over corresponding tabs 512 of the valve housing 474. A compression spring 514 connected to a hub 516 protrudes from the release arm 508. The release arm 508 and connected stop 498 are biased forward by the compression spring 514 to close the opening 494. The hub 516 has a hole 518 that receives a member 520. In the illustrated arrangement, the member is flexible, but can transmit enough force to actuate the release arm against the spring 514 along the longitudinal axis of the member 520. Also in the illustrated arrangement, the hole 518 is a through hole and the member 520 extends through the hole 518. The member can be include or be attached to terminal 522, such as a crimped-on fitting. When aftward force is applied to the member 520, the terminal 522 acts against hub 516 to compress spring 514, move release arm 508 and displace the stop 498 from covering the opening 494. In this manner, material to be dispensed from the reservoir R can flow toward the head 394 through the valve housing 474. The member 520 can be, for example, a cord, cable, wire, shaft or the like.

The member 520 is fed through guide slots 524 in the two rear bushing supports 366 and 376. The member 520 continues into the body portion 250 and through the gearing assembly. A catch terminal 526 is connected to the member 520. The catch terminal 526 slides within guide ribs 528 of a release lever 530. The catch terminal 526 has teeth 532 on an underside thereof. A catch tab 534 is connected to the release lever 530 and has a post 536 with a mating tooth edge 538 adapted to fit between adjacent pairs of teeth 532. The arrangement of the catch tab 534 and release lever 530 provides a leaf spring type action to bias the mating tooth edge 538 away from the teeth 532.

The release lever 530 includes pins 540 (FIG. 15A) that rotate within corresponding receiving pockets 542 of member 250a. As the operating angle of the portion 252 changes with respect to the body portion 250, the catch terminal 526 slides from front to back as the member 520 tightens or relaxes from the change of angle, but the teeth 532 are configured to remain in position over the post 536 and mating tooth edge 538.

The user can dispense material from the reservoir R by pressing inward on the cover 268 in the area of a button detail 539 of the catch tab 534 to move the catch tab 534, and specifically the mating tooth edge 538, into engagement with the teeth 532. Under this action, the release lever pivots backward, which, in turn, moves member 520 aftward with respect to the device E. As indicated, such movement of the member 520 results in clearing the opening 494 and dispensing of material from the reservoir R that has been pressurized by the pumping of air into the reservoir R. As a result, pressurized material from the reservoir R can be dispensed on demand through a material dispensing opening 540 of member 252b.

The head 394 has an open channel 542 in a top face of the head 394. The channel 542 is dimensioned such that a collar defining the material dispensing opening 540 fits openly within the channel profile (e.g., the collar does not touch the channel 542 as the head 394 moves). Slots 544 can be formed in the outside lower portions of the channel wall to serve as openings for dispensed material to pass. As the rotating head 394 spins, material dispensed on to the inside surface of the channel 542 is expelled through the slots 544 onto a cleaning implement assembly placed with respect to the head 394.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the material can be dispensed from reservoir R without pressurization. For example, the material can be gravity feed from the reservoir to the head and/or cleaning implement assembly. In this embodiment, the flow of the material can be controlled by a valve, such as the above-described valve and valve position control components. In another embodiment, pressurization and/or forcing of the material can be accomplished without influence of the motor. For example, a user operated pump or other suitable assembly, such as an assembly governed by the general operating principles of the material delivery assemblies described with respect to the device D and shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, can be used to assist in the dispensing of material onto the head and/or cleaning implement assemblies.

With additional reference to FIGS. 18A through 22, various example cleaning covers or cleaning implement assemblies for use with the device E are illustrated. It will be appreciated that the cleaning implement assemblies that can be used with the device E are not limited to the examples illustrated and described herein. The cleaning implements and/or cleaning implement assemblies can include modified versions of any of the similar assemblies for use in conjunction with the device D or D′. As will be appreciated, the cleaning covers are removable and replaceable with respect to the head 394.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18A-19, a cleaning implement assembly 546 includes a mesh cleaning cover 554 that is made from, for example, nylon and is sometimes referred to as a “poof.” An attaching member (or ring) 548 is secured to the mesh cleaning cover 554. For instance, the cleaning cover 554 and the attaching member 548 can be fused together, secured with adhesive, molded together or mechanically fastened. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 19, the cleaning cover 554 is attached to the attaching member 548 with a length of twine, string, cable or cord.

Each of the cleaning implement assemblies described herein, including the mesh assembly 546, can be removably attached to the head 394. For example, the attaching member 548 can engage the head 394 and move (e.g., rotate and/or reciprocate) therewith to provide a washing motion to the cleaning implement assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the attaching member 548 has a bead 550 that can be slipped over a peripheral ridge 549 (FIGS. 15A and 17) of the head 394. The bead 550 seats into a peripheral groove 551 located adjacent the ridge 549. The member 548 can have resilient properties and can be made from a somewhat elastomeric material. Example materials include, for example, polyurethane, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable material. Slight stretching and/or other manipulation of the member 548 (e.g., pushing, sliding and/or deflecting of the bead 550) will allow the member 548 to go in or out of engagement with the head 394, such as by slipping the bead 550 past the groove 551. In other embodiments, the member 548 can be somewhat rigid and can be removably secured to the head 394 with a snap fit. The member 548 in the illustrated embodiments is illustrated as being round, but it will be appreciated that any cooperating shape of the member 548 and the head 394 can be used.

The member 548 can include or can be secured to a wall 552 that serves as a mounting surface for a cleaning implement (e.g., a brush, sponge, exfoliating pad, or in the case of the example in FIGS. 18A-18B, a mesh cleaning cover). A plane of the wall 552 can be generally transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to an annular portion 553 of the member 548 and the wall 552 can be spaced apart from the bead 550, which is inwardly directed from the annular portion 553. As indicated, although the portion 553 is referred to as an annular portion, the portion 553 and corresponding and cooperating item (e.g., the head 394 and/or the wall 552) need not be round or ring-shaped. The wall 552 can include slots 556 that allow material dispensed through the head 394 to pass through the wall 552 and onto the cleaning implement secured thereto (e.g., the mesh cover 554, bristles of a brush, etc.).

As indicated, a variety of cleaning implement assemblies 546 can be used with the device E. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 18A to 22, each assembly 546 can include the member 548 (inclusive of the wall 552, the annular portion 553 and the bead 550) that engages the head 394. In other embodiments, alternative attaching mechanisms can be used for different types of cleaning implement assemblies.

In the example of FIG. 20A, the cleaning implement assembly 546 includes a brush secured to the member 548. For example, bristles 560 (which can be arranged in groups to form the illustrated tufts) can be secured to a brush base 558 that is, in turn, secured to the member 548. In one embodiment, the brush base is made from fairly rigid plastic and the bristles are made from nylon or other relatively soft bristle material. The brush base 558 can include slots (not shown) that allow dispensed material to pass through the brush base 558 to the bristles.

In the example of FIG. 20B, the cleaning implement assembly 546 includes an exfoliating pad 562 secured to the member 548.

In the example of FIGS. 21A and 21B, the cleaning implement assembly 546 includes a brush assembly 563 adapted to, among other uses, clean the feet and between the toes of a person. In the example, bristles 566 arranged in bristle tufts are secured to a brush base ring 564 that is, in turn, secured to an external perimeter of the annular portion 553 of the member 548. In one embodiment, the bristles 566 radially project from the rest of the assembly 546. In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles 566 are arranged in an upper row of tufts and a lower row of tufts. The upper row of tufts have a slightly downward inclination and the lower row of tufts have a slightly upward inclination so that adjacent tufts from one of the rows are interleaved with tufts from the other of the rows. Slots 556′ can be present in the annular portion and the brush base ring 564 to allow dispensed material to travel to the bristles 566 from inside the head 394 and/or assembly 546.

A member can be arranged over the underside of the wall 552. In the illustrated embodiment, the member is a pumice stone 572 secured to the member 548 and/or the brush base ring 564. A surface 574 of the pumice stone 572 can be domed shaped to promote multi-angled contact with an area to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the member arranged over the underside of the wall 552 can be a sponge, exfoliating pad, a cap (e.g., a piece of plastic) or other item.

The example of FIG. 22 shows a variation of the foot and toe cleaning assembly of FIGS. 21A and 21B that has been combined with the brush assembly of FIG. 20A. In the illustrated example, the bristles 566 and the ring 564 are secured to a perimeter of the member 548 and the bristles 560 and base 558 are secured to the underside of the member 548. The ring 564 and the base 558 can be combined as an integrated unit.

As indicated, it is contemplated that the head can be made to have motions in addition to or instead of a rotating or reciprocating motion. For instance, the head can pivot with respect to the rest of the device.

With additional reference to FIG. 23, shown is a head assembly that can rotate and pivot with respect to the remainder of the device E. In this embodiment, the lower end of the third shaft 386 passes through the seal 392. The third shaft 386 then connects to a ball drive 588 that, in cooperation with a retainer 602, retains a head 580 to the device E that can rotate under the influence of the shaft 386 and pivot with respect to the shaft 386.

The head 580 includes a center opening 582 through a wall 584 disposed, in the illustrated embodiment, in perpendicular arrangement to a longitudinal axis of the head 580. A top collar 586 of the ball drive 588 fits through the opening and includes a hole 592 to receive the end of the shaft 386 in press fit arrangement. The collar 586 has an outside diameter that is smaller than an outer width of a faceted end 590 of the ball drive 588. In the illustrated embodiment, the faceted end 590 of the ball drive 588 includes plural (e.g., six) facet divisions 594. The divisions 594 of the illustrated embodiment are arranged so that a cross section of the ball drive 588 taken through the a longitudinal axis of the faceted end 590 would have a generally hexagon shape, yet the junctions of adjacent facets form convex arcs in a direction extending generally along the longitudinal axis of the ball drive 588. It will be appreciated that the faceted end 590 can be divided into a different number of facets and can have different shapes to implement the functions described herein. For instance, the facet surfaces between junctions of adjacent facet divisions 594 can be slightly concave.

The underside of the wall 584 has a rib 596 (partially shown in phantom) that protrudes in a generally downward direction and that forms a hexagonal shaped pocket 598 to loosely receive an upper portion 600 of the faceted end 590. The retainer 602 has a rib 604 that protrudes in a generally upward direction and that forms a hexagonal shaped pocket 606 to loosely receive a lower portion 608 of the faceted end 590.

A series of posts 610 with clip details 612 protrude in a generally upward direction from the retainer 602. Corresponding notches 614 formed in the wall 584 of the head 580 receive the clip details 612 so that the retainer 602 can be connected to the head 580 with an interference fit. The ball drive 588 is trapped between the retainer 602 and head 580 in the pockets 598 and 606.

When the shaft 396 rotates, the shaft 396 rotates the connected ball drive 588. In turn, the rotation of the ball drive 588 is transferred to the head 580 by the facet divisions 594 acting upon the ribs 598 and/or 604. The curved properties of the facet divisions 594 of the ball drive 588 allows the encompassing head 580 and retainer 602 to rotate while simultaneously pivoting with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 386. For example, the head 580 can rotate in plural planes that are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 386. It follows that the head 580 can rotate in plural planes with respect to the rest of the device E, or a housing that effectively retains the head 580. As will be appreciated, the plane in which the head 580 rotates will change and self adjust as a cleaning implement assembly 546 connected to the head 580 is brought into contact with an area of a person to be cleaned. Thus, cleaning coverage of a cleaning implement can be increased due to a multi-angled operational capability of the head 580, rather than a static co-axial connection between head 580 and shaft 386. The cleaning implement assembly 546 can connect to and interact with the head 580 in any of the manners described above.

Although particular embodiments have been described in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a person, comprising:

a head driven by a motor;

a housing that retains the motor and the head, wherein the head is moved with respect to the housing by operation of the motor; and

a cleaning implement for cleaning the person, the cleaning implement secured to a resilient member and the resilient member removably secured to the head.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member is stretched or manipulated over the head to be secured thereto.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein a peripheral edge of the head is received into a corresponding groove of the resilient member.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein a bead of the resilient member is received in a corresponding groove of the head.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning implement is a washing cloth.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning implement is one of a sponge, a brush, an exfoliating pad, an abrasive member, a mesh cover or combinations thereof.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a dispenser for dispensing a material onto the cleaning implement.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the material is dispensed through the head.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the material is stored in a reservoir that is pressurized by operation of the motor and a valve selectively controls dispensing of the material under the influence of the pressure.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the material is pressurized and selectively dispensed.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the material is dispensed through an aperture of the resilient member.

12. A cleaning device for cleaning a person, comprising:

a cleaning implement for cleaning between toes of the person;

a motor operatively coupled to the cleaning implement to move the cleaning implement in a washing motion; and

a housing for retaining the motor and the cleaning implement, the washing motion moving the cleaning element with respect to the housing.

13. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the washing motion is at least a reciprocating movement with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning device.

14. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the washing motion includes a rotating movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis of the implement.

15. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the housing is configured to be grasped by a hand of a user, the housing being elongated to space the cleaning element from the hand of the user.

16. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning implement is an elongated member.

17. The cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning implement is a sponge.

18. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning implement is a brush.

19. The cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein bristles of the brush extend outward from a bristle support member that at least partially inscribes a longitudinal axis of the cleaning implement and the washing motion rotates the brush about the longitudinal axis.

20. A cleaning device for cleaning a person, comprising:

a head having an attached cleaning implement, the head and implement driven by a motor connected to the head by a drive assembly;

a first housing portion enclosing the motor;

a second housing portion retaining the head; and

a pivotal linkage connecting the first and second housing portions.

21. The cleaning device according to claim 20, wherein the pivotal linkage positively locks into plural positions such that an angle between a longitudinal axis of the first housing portion and a longitudinal axis of the second housing portion can be changed from one of the positions to another of the positions and selectively secured in the another of the positions.

22. The cleaning device according to claim 21, wherein the drive assembly delivers rotational force generated by the motor to the head in each position.

23. The cleaning device according to claim 21, wherein a valve control member to open a valve of a material dispensing assembly extends from the first housing portion to the second housing portion and is operable in each position.

24. A cleaning device for cleaning a person, comprising:

a head having an attached cleaning implement, the head and implement driven by a motor connected to the head by a drive assembly;

a housing that retains the motor and the head, wherein the head is moved with respect to the housing by operation of the motor; and

a pressurized reservoir for storing a dispensable material and a valve for selectively controlling the dispensing of the material onto the cleaning element.

25. The cleaning device according to claim 24, wherein the material is dispensed through the head.

26. The cleaning device according to claim 24, wherein the pressure is developed by operation of the motor.

27. The cleaning device according to claim 26, wherein a pump assembly is operably driven by the motor and forces air into the reservoir.

28. A cleaning device for cleaning a person, comprising:

a head having an attached cleaning implement, the head and cleaning implement driven by a motor connected to the head by a drive assembly; and

a housing that retains the motor and the head, wherein the head is connected to the drive assembly to rotate by operation of the motor and pivot with respect to the housing.

29. The cleaning device according to claim 28, wherein the head rotates in plural planes with respect to the housing.

30. The cleaning device according to claim 28, wherein an angle of the head with respect to the hosing self adjusts when the cleaning implement is brought into contact with the person.

31. The cleaning device according to claim 28, wherein the drive assembly includes a shaft connected to a ball drive, the ball drive in pivotal engagement with the head.

32. The cleaning device according to claim 28, wherein the cleaning implement is secured to a resilient member that is removably secured to the head.