Bathing device and method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

A bathing device includes a generally elongated body having internal compartments or pockets extending lengthwise therealong. Each of the pockets has an opening for receiving therein a cleanser. A closure mechanism is provided for each of the pockets to releasably close the openings of the pockets to retain the cleanser in the pockets during use of the bathing device. A pair of handles are disposed at respective opposite ends of the elongated body to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to bathing implements and, more particularly, to a bathing device that retains and dispenses a cleanser for use in the bath tub or shower and that enables people to easily wash otherwise unaccessible areas of their body, such as the back, legs and feet. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the bathing device.

2. Background of the Invention

It has long been a problem to lather the body properly and efficiently when bathing either in a shower or a bath tub. A problem with bar soap, for example, results from its slippery surface when wet which makes the bar soap hard to hold onto. The accidental dropping of the bar soap can create great aggravation both in the shower and the bath tub. There is the potential for an accidental fall and injury if the user steps on the dropped bar of soap. Further, the retrieval of a slippery bar of soap, which has been dropped in a shower or tub, can become a painful or exhausting ordeal for anyone who may be physically disabled, elderly, blind, pregnant or overweight.

Another problem is that it has been difficult to provide sufficient soap lather to all parts of the body to complete the cleansing action. For example, many people, such as the physically challenged, elderly, arthritic and corpulent, have difficulty bathing and are often unable to adequately wash hard-to-reach parts of the body, such as their back, legs and feet, while bathing and showering.

Moreover, one of the major reasons for reduced bar soap usage by consumers is the excessive waste associated with the product. Normally, bar soap is placed in an existing soap dish after it is used. Water in the bottom of the soap dish accumulates and the bar of soap eventually is softened by its contact with the water in the dish. The next time the soap is used, the soft outer portion of the bar of soap quickly washes away, resulting in considerable product loss.

Another related problem with bar soap is its susceptibility to breaking or chipping upon impact after being dropped. When the bar of soap slips from the user's grasp and strikes the tub or shower floor, the bar frequently cracks, breaks, or chips, and these broken chips are usually washed down the drain. Alternatively, this results in an accumulation of a large quantity of soap slivers or soap chips from various bars of soap. Without any practical use in their form, these soap slivers or chips are immediately discarded by the user, again resulting in loss of product.

Various attempts have been made to increase the efficiency of the lathering operation, such as by soap mitts fitting the hand and a bar of soap. However, these conventional bathing devices are complicated to use or contain a bulky or dense material that tends to retain soap and moisture. Additionally, such conventional bathing devices are often made of a material that does not dry quickly, which leads to the growth of mildew and harbor disease causing microorganisms.

Likewise, washcloths for scrubbing, cleaning and/or washing while bathing or showering are well known. Existing washcloths, however, have no convenient means for gripping. As a result, it is not easy to make full use of the washcloth and hence the portion of the washcloth available for use at any one time is restricted. Thus, there has remained the problem of providing a truly efficient means for retaining one or more bars of soap and providing efficient lathering and ease of application while lathering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bathing device that enables people to easily wash otherwise unaccessible areas of their body, such as the back, legs and feet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bathing device for retaining one or more bars of soap and/or soap slivers until they are completely used, thereby reducing clean-up time and eliminating waste and cost.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a bathing device which is easy to use and relatively easy and economical to manufacture.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bathing device made of a disposable material so that it can be easily discarded after use by an individual to avoid the possibility of contamination.

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are carried out by a bathing device comprising a generally elongated body having a plurality of internal compartments or pockets disposed lengthwise therealong, each of the pockets having an opening for receiving therein a cleanser, a plurality of closure mechanisms that releasably close the respective openings of the pockets to retain the cleanser in the pockets during use of the bathing device, and a pair of handles disposed at respective opposite ends of the elongated body to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

The elongated body has a pair extension panels extending from the pockets at the respective opposite ends of the elongated body. The handles are connected to the respective extension panels. The elongated body and the handles are formed of a porous fabric material, such as terry cloth, and the elongated body is preferably made of a single piece of material. The cleanser can be a bar of soap or soap slivers.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a bathing device. A single piece of porous fabric is folded to form opposed folded sides which are then secured along edges thereof to form a generally U-shaped pouch having a closed end and an open end. Individual pockets are formed at preselected intervals along a lengthwise direction of the pouch so that each of the pockets has an opening for receiving therein a cleanser, such as a bar of soap or soap slivers. Each of the pockets is provided with a closure mechanism that releasably closes the opening of the pocket to retain the cleanser in the pocket during use of the bathing device. A handle is formed at each of opposite ends of the pouch to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

The foregoing summary is neither intended nor should be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention, which these and additional aspects will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and embodiments of the disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

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

FIG. 2 is partial front view of a bathing device showing modified forms of the pockets and closure mechanism in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of a bathing device showing a modified form of the closure mechanism in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is partial front view of a bathing device showing a modified form of the pockets in the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a partial front view of the bathing device in the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a bathing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a bathing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some forms as examples of the use of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not intended to be limiting. The words inner, outer, upper, lower, front and rear designate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. Such terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned and words of similar import.

The exemplary embodiments of the bathing device according to the present invention are described below with a specific application to cleansers including, but not limited to, soaps either in the form of bar soaps, soap slivers or chips, and a combination thereof. It is understood, however, that the bathing device can also be used with cleansers in liquid or other forms. It is also understood that the bathing device is not limited to use with cleansers, but can also be used in conjunction with substances that do not necessarily perform a cleansing function, such as certain moisturizers and aroma therapy substances in solid, liquid or other forms.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 a first exemplary embodiment of a bathing device, generally designated at 10, according to the present invention. The bathing device 10 comprises a generally elongated body in the form of a pouch, generally designated at 12, having individual internal compartments or pockets 14 disposed lengthwise therealong, a closure mechanism, generally designated at 16, associated with each of the pockets 14, and a pair of handles, generally designated at 18, disposed at respective opposite ends of the pouch 12 to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device 10 over the body of a user during use of the bathing device 10.

As best shown in FIG. 5, each of the pockets 14 has first and second side walls 14a, 14b connected together along two side edges 14c, 14d to form a lower closed end 14e and an upper peripheral edge 14f forming an open end generally designated at 14g. As shown in FIG. 1, each of pockets 14 is large enough to receive, via the open end 14g, a fresh or used bar of soap 20, soap slivers, chips or remnants 22, or a combination thereof. Thus, it will be appreciated that each of the pockets 14 provides a container for soap, particularly soap remnants that would otherwise be discarded because of their small size.

The closure mechanisms 16 are configured to releasably close the respective open ends 14g of the pockets 14 to retain the cleanser in the pockets 14 during use of the bathing device 10. Thus for each pocket 14, the open end 14g allows the user to insert and remove the bar of soap 20 and/or soap slivers 22, while the closure mechanism 16 retains the bar of soap 20 and/or soap slivers 22 in the pocket 14 during use of the bathing device.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bathing device 10 has three pockets 14 extending in the lengthwise direction of the pouch 12. It is understood, however, that the number of pockets 14 selected for the bathing device 10 may be one, two or more than three, depending on the specific length desired for the pouch 12. As the pockets 14 extend in the lengthwise direction of the pouch 12, increasing the number of pockets 14 will increase the overall length of the bathing device 10.

The bathing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is also provided with a pair of extension panels 24 which extend from respective pockets 14 at opposite ends of the pouch 12 and in the lengthwise direction of the pouch 12. The handles 18 are secured to the respective extension panels 24 and also extend in the lengthwise direction of the pouch 12. Thus, in addition to the number of pockets 14 selected as described above, the dimensions selected for the extension panels 24 and the handles 18 in the lengthwise direction of the pouch 12 define a means for varying (i.e., increasing or decreasing) the overall length of the bathing device 10. Thus, the overall length of the bathing device 10 may be selected to accommodate the particular user (e.g., to facilitate gripping and manipulation) during use of the bathing device 10.

Preferably, the extension panels 24 and the handles 18 extend in the lengthwise direction of the pouch 12 with a substantial length L1 and L2, respectively. This is to provide additional surface for locating and grasping the bathing device 10 when accidentally dropped. Additionally, the extension panels 24 provide further surface for sudsing or lathering for use of the bather.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, each of the pockets 14 is provided with a pocket flap 14h extending from the first side wall 14a at the upper peripheral edge 14f, with the pocket flaps 14h being shown in the open position. Each pocket flap 14h is provided with a fastener 16a that releasably engages with a complementary fastener 16b on an outside surface of the second side wall 14b of the pocket 14. When releasably connected to one another, the fasteners 16a, 16b, which define the closure mechanism 16 described above, releasably connect the pocket flap 14h to the second side wall 14b of the pocket 14 to thereby close the open end 14g of the pocket 14.

FIGS. 2 and 4 show modified forms of the pockets 14 and/or the closure mechanism 16 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 5. In these modified embodiments, the pockets 14 are not provided with pocket flaps 14h as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 5, and the fasteners 16a, 16b are attached to confronting inner surfaces of the first and second side walls 14a, 14b proximate the upper peripheral edge 14f releasably engage one another to close the open end 14g of the pocket 14.

In the exemplary and modified embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the fasteners 16a, 16b of the closure mechanism 16 are in the form of conventional hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO® strips). It is understood, however, that other types of closure mechanisms 16 may be used. For example, in the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (i.e., the pockets do not have pocket flaps), the fasteners 16a, 16b are snap connectors. FIG. 3 shows another modified embodiment in which the pocket 14 is provided with a pocket flap 14h as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 5, but the fasteners 16a, 16b are snap connectors instead of hook and loop fasteners. Alternatively, the closure mechanism may be, without limitation, clips, rivets, magnets or releasable strips of adhesive material (not shown), or any type of releasably connectable fasteners which facilitate opening and closing of the open end 14g of the pocket 14.

The pouch 12, which includes the pockets 14 (with or without pocket flaps 14g) and the extension panels 24, is preferably formed of a single piece of fabric, such as terry cloth or other suitable porous fabric. Terry cloth is a material that is soft, suitable for washing, dryable, and easily conforms to different contours. Terry cloth is also a highly efficient permeable bleeder and breather permitting the passage of soapy water throughout the pockets 14 (with or without flaps) and the extension panels 24 of the bathing device 10. The use of terry cloth, or other mildly abrasive material, also generates a foaming action on the bar of soap or soap slivers when the pouch 12 is rubbed or squeezed while wet during use.

Another suitable porous fabric material for the pouch 12 is a stretchable non-woven polyester felt which exhibits the foregoing properties described above for terry cloth. Additionally, the stretch of the polyester felt fabric permits various sized and shaped soap bars and soap slivers to be inserted into the pockets 14. For example, as a bar of soap in the pocket 14 is deplenished to a sliver, a fresh bar of soap may be inserted into the pocket 14 and added to the sliver due to the stretchability of the polyester felt fabric.

As described above, the handles 18 are attached to side edges of the respective extension panels 24. The handles 18 may be formed of any suitable material, such as fabric, cord or plastic. For example, the handles may be formed of the same material used for the pouch 12, such as terry cloth or stretchable non-woven polyester felt.

A preferred method of manufacturing the bathing device according to the present invention will next be described with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

The material for the pouch 12 is cut in a single piece from a porous fabric, such as terry cloth, either manually or with an industrial cutting machine, using a generally rectangular-shaped pattern. The single piece of fabric is then folded to form opposed folded sides and are sewn together along side edges thereof by stitching 26 to form a generally U-shaped elongated body with a closed bottom and an open top. For the bathing device shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, one folded side of the elongated body is longer than the other. The two folded sides are then sewn together at suitable intervals by stitching 28 to form the extension panels 24 and the individual pockets 14 each having the first and second side walls 14a, 14b and the open end 14g. Prior to or after the pockets 14 are formed, an upper portion of at least the shorter one of the folded sides of the elongated body is folded onto itself and sewn along a stitch line 30 to form a longitudinal seam 32. The sewing may be performed by hand or using an industrial sewing machine, for example.

At the top of each pocket 14, the longer one of the folded sides is then cut to form the pocket flaps 14g that can be folded over to close the open ends 14g of the pockets 14. The closure mechanism 16 is then provided for each of the pockets 14 by securing the fastener 16a to the inner surface of the pocket flap 14g and the fastener 16b to the outer surface of the second sidewall 14b of the pocket 14. Preferably, the fasteners 16a, 16b are attached to the respective portions of the pocket flap 14g and second sidewall 14b by stitching or, alternatively, using a suitable adhesive.

The material for each of the handles 18 is cut in a single piece from a porous fabric, such as terry cloth, also using a generally rectangular-shaped pattern. This single piece of fabric is then folded in half so that free longitudinal edges of the folded fabric are superimposed over another and sewn together by stitching to form a generally tubular body having opposite end portions. Thereafter, prior to stitching the folded side edges of the folded sides of the fabric to form the U-shaped elongated body, the opposite end portions of each of the tubular bodies corresponding to the handles 18 are interposed between the respective folded side edges of the fabric in a manner shown in FIG. 1 within the fabric piece 33, which is illustrated in broken form only to facilitate illustration. In this state, the fabric, together with the end portions of the tubular bodies, are sewn together along folded side edges of the fabric by stitching 26 to form the generally U-shaped elongated body as described above. After the extension panels 24 and the pockets 14 are formed as described above, the handles 18 are secured to the respective extension panels 24 and form loops 18a of a desired length to facilitate with gripping and manipulation of the bathing device 10 during use.

The alternative forms of the pockets 14 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 are constructed as described above for the pockets 14 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, except that the both folded sides of the fabric piece are the same length, i.e., there is no pocket flap 14g. In this embodiment, the fasteners 16a, 16b are attached to generally confronting inner surface portions of the side walls 14a, 14b of the pouch 12 to permit the fasteners to releasably engage one another.

When a stretchable non-woven polyester felt is used instead of terry cloth, the forming of the pouch 12 and handles 18 may be accomplished by a heat seal or stitching process as desired. If a heat seal process is used, the connections may be continuous or discontinuous to enhance the passage of soapy water through the pockets 14 and extension panels 24.

It is understood that the pouch 12 is not limited to being formed of a single piece of fabric. For example, the pouch 12 may be formed of two pieces of material which, after being cut, are superimposed together and sewn by stitching along side and lower edges thereof to form the U-shaped body as described above.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show alternative exemplary embodiments of the bathing device 10 according to the present invention. The construction of the bathing devices 10 shown in FIGS. 6-7 is generally the same as any of the exemplary embodiments of the bathing devices described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. However, the bathing devices of FIGS. 6-7 differ from the bathing devices of FIGS. 1-5 in that the bathing devices 10 of FIGS. 6-7 include a sheet of loofah 34 attached to a rear main surface 12c of the pouch 12. The loofah material, a sponge comprised of the fibrous skeleton of the fruit of a tropical plant of the gourd family, is especially beneficial for scrubbing, washing, cleaning and rubbing human skin. Loofah also stimulates the skin when used of these purposes. Besides these features, the loofah material also has the advantage of having the desired amount of stiffness needed.

In the bathing device shown in FIG. 6, the sheet of loofah 34 is secured to the pouch 12 so as to cover only a portion of the rear main surface 12c of the pouch 12. In the bathing device shown in FIG. 7, the sheet of loofah 34 is secured to the pouch 12 so as to cover the entire rear main surface 12c of the pouch 12. The sheet of loofah 34 is secured to the rear main surface 12c of the pouch 12 in any suitable manner during manufacture of the bathing device 10. For example, in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-7, the sheet of loofah 34 is preferably sewn to the rear main surface 12c of the pouch 12 by stitching 36 after cutting the fabric material and prior to forming the U-shaped elongated body as described above.

To use the bathing device 10 according to any of the foregoing embodiments, one or more bars of soap 20, either new or used, and/or soap slivers 22 are placed within the pockets 14 after which the open ends 14g of the pockets 14 are closed by the corresponding closure mechanisms 16. For example, in the bathing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, closing of the open ends 14g of the pockets 14 is accomplished by closing the pocket flaps 14h and engaging the fasteners 16a, 16b with one another. In the bathing device 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the open ends 14 of the pockets 14 are closed by engaging with one another the fasteners 16a, 16b secured to the inner surfaces of the side walls 12a, 12b of the pouch 12.

While taking a bath or shower, the bather grips the two handles 18 of the bathing device 10, one in each hand, and rubs the pouch back-and-forth across the back, feet or other parts of the body. The sudsing and lathering operation is effected by wetting the pockets 14 containing the bar soap or soap slivers and applying to the various parts of the body. Aside from its cleansing action, use of the bathing device 10 massages the body. After use, the bathing device 10 may be rinsed and easily dried, much in the manner of a towel, for further use with the bar of soap or soap slivers in the pockets 14 or removed according to the user's desire.

It will become apparent that the elongated form of the bathing device 10, which is defined by the pockets 14, extensions 24 and handles 18 extending in the lengthwise direction of the bathing device, is particularly suited to permit the bathing device to reach all parts of the upper and lower back by moving the bathing device in a criss-cross manner. In this unique manner, soap is applied and cleansing and massage are obtained without awkward and often impossible manipulation of the hands and arms over and under the shoulders. The bulging pockets 14 containing the bar of soap or soap slivers are capable of reaching the spine, an area barely contacted by bathing devices known in the art. The bathing device 10 is particularly suited as a back washer for a person who has arthritis or short arms and also for obese people. The bathing device 10 when dry also serves as a back scratcher. For these purposes, and only as an example and without limitation, the bathing device 10 may have an overall width (with the pockets closed) in the range of about 4.5 inches to 5.5 inches and an overall length (including the handles 18) in the range of about 34 inches to 35 inches.

It will be understood that the bathing device 10 of the present invention is not limited to the outer shape or configuration shown in FIG. 1, where the pouch 12 is substantially rectangular when the pocket flaps 14h are closed. The term “substantially rectangular” as applied to the pouch 12 shall mean that the corners of the pouch 12 may be rounded and the pouch 12 is otherwise rectangular, as seen in FIG. 1. It is understood, however, that other outer shapes or configurations are suitable for the bathing device 10. Additionally, the outer shape or configuration for the bathing device 10 is preferably selected to provide a pleasing shape to encourage use and display, preferably by hanging on a hook (not shown) from one or both of the loops 18a of the handles 18. Furthermore, while not shown in the drawings, it will be understood that exterior designs may be imprinted on the outer surfaces of the bathing device 10 to coordinate with any given bathroom design.

It will be appreciated that as the bar of soap is deplenished to a sliver, or as the soap slivers are reduced in size, these are retained to exhaustion in the pockets 14. Stated otherwise, the pockets 14 provide a means for retaining the soap until it is completely used, thereby preventing wastage. The bathing device 10 is made of a fabric material, such as terry cloth, with a texture and feel which will make the product desirable for use in the bath or shower, and is both inexpensively fabricated and easy to use.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a bathing device having generally the same construction and characteristics as any of the above described embodiments of the bathing device, except that in this aspect components of the bathing device, such as the pouch 12 (e.g., pockets 14 and extension panels 24) and handles 18, are made of a disposable fabric material. This aspect of the present invention provides a disposable bathing device which is particularly suitable for use in hospitality and healthcare industries. For example, in hospitals the disposable bathing device of the present invention may be used by patients during a hospital stay and then discarded to avoid the possibility of contamination by inadequate laundering. Such disposable bathing device made of a suitable disposable material will also eliminate the time involved in collecting, laundering, sanitizing and reusing or recycling bathing devices made of conventional fabric materials. Additionally, the disposable material can be made biodegradable to facilitate its disposal after use.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention comprises an improved bathing device. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that obvious changes can be made to the embodiments described in the foregoing description without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all obvious modifications thereof which are within the scope and the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bathing device comprising:

a generally elongated body having a plurality of internal compartments extending lengthwise therealong, each of the compartments having an opening for receiving therein a cleanser;

a plurality of closure mechanisms that releasably close the respective openings of the compartments to retain the cleanser in the compartments during use of the bathing device; and

a pair of handles disposed at respective opposite ends of the elongated body to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

2. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein the elongated body and the handles are formed of a porous fabric material.

3. A bathing device according to claim 2; wherein the porous fabric material comprises a terry cloth material.

4. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein the elongated body is formed of a single piece of a porous fabric material.

5. A bathing device according to claim 4; wherein the single piece of porous fabric material comprises a terry cloth material.

6. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein each of the closure mechanisms comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of VELCRO® strips, snaps, magnets and strips of adhesive material.

7. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein the elongated body has a pair extension panels extending from the compartments at the respective opposite ends of the elongated body; and wherein the handles are connected to the respective extension panels.

8. A bathing device according to claim 7; wherein the elongated body and the handles are formed of a porous fabric material.

9. A bathing device according to claim 8; wherein the porous fabric material comprises a terry cloth material.

10. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein each of the compartments comprises first and second side walls connected together along two side edges to form a lower closed end and an upper peripheral edge forming the opening of the compartment, and a flap extending from the first side wall at the upper peripheral edge; and wherein the closure mechanism for each of the compartments releasably closes the opening of the compartment by releasably connecting the flap to the second side wall of the compartment.

11. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein each of the compartments comprises first and second side walls connected together along two side edges to form a lower closed end and an upper peripheral edge forming the opening of the compartment; and wherein the closure mechanism for each of the compartments releasably closes the opening of the compartment by releasably connecting together the first and second side walls proximate the upper peripheral edge of the compartment.

12. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein the elongated body comprises opposite main surfaces; and further comprising a sheet of loofah covering at least a portion of one of the main surfaces of the elongated body.

13. A bathing device according to claim 1; wherein the sheet of loofah covers the entire of the one main surface of the elongated body.

14. In combination: a cleanser comprising one of bars of soap, soap slivers, and a combination thereof; and a bathing device according to claim 1, each of the compartments for receiving one of the bar of soap, soap slivers and combination thereof.

15. A bathing device comprising:

a generally elongated body made of a porous elastic cloth and stitched to form a plurality of longitudinal pockets extending in a lengthwise direction of the body, each of the pockets having a closed end and an opposite open end for receiving therein a cleanser;

a plurality of closure mechanisms that releasably close the respective open ends of the pockets to retain the cleanser in the pockets during use of the bathing device; and

a pair of handles made of the porous elastic cloth and disposed at respective opposite ends of the elongated body to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

16. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein the porous elastic cloth comprises a terry cloth material.

17. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein the porous elastic cloth for the elongated body is formed of a single piece of material.

18. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein the single piece of material is made of terry cloth.

19. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein each of the closure mechanisms comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of VELCRO® strips, snaps, magnets and strips of adhesive material.

20. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein the elongated body has a pair extension panels made of the porous elastic cloth and extending from the pockets at the respective opposite ends of the elongated body; and wherein the handles are connected to the respective extension panels.

21. A bathing device according to claim 20; wherein the porous elastic cloth comprises a terry cloth material.

22. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein each of the pockets comprises first and second side walls connected together along two side edges to form a lower closed end and an upper peripheral edge forming the open end of the pocket, and a flap extending from the first side wall at the upper peripheral edge; and wherein the closure mechanism for each of the pockets releasably closes the open end of the pocket by releasably connecting the flap to the second side wall of the pocket.

23. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein each of the pockets comprises first and second side walls connected together along two side edges to form a lower closed end and an upper peripheral edge forming the open end of the pocket; and wherein the closure mechanism for each of the pockets releasably closes the open end of the pocket by releasably connecting together the first and second side walls proximate the upper peripheral edge of the pocket.

24. A bathing device according to claim 15; wherein the elongated body has opposite main surfaces; and further comprising a sheet of fibrous scrubbing material covering at least a portion of one of the main surfaces of the elongated body.

25. A bathing device according to claim 24; wherein the sheet of fibrous scrubbing material covers the entire one main surface of the elongated body.

26. A bathing device according to claim 25; wherein the fibrous scrubbing material is loofah.

27. A method of manufacturing a bathing device, comprising the steps of:

providing a single piece of porous fabric;

folding the porous fabric to form opposed folded sides;

securing the opposed folded sides of the porous fabric along edges thereof to form a generally U-shaped pouch having a closed end and an open end;

forming a plurality of individual pockets at preselected intervals along a lengthwise direction of the pouch so that each of the pockets has an opening for receiving therein a cleanser;

providing for each of the pockets a closure mechanism that releasably closes the opening of the pocket to retain the cleanser in the pocket during use of the bathing device; and

forming a handle at each of opposite ends of the pouch to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

28. A method according to claim 27; wherein the securing step comprises sewing the opposed folded sides of the porous fabric along stitch lines extending between the open and closed ends of the pouch; and wherein the step of forming the plurality of individual pockets comprises sewing the pouch at preselected intervals along stitch lines between the open and closed ends of the pouch to form the pockets.

29. A method according to claim 27; wherein the folding step comprises folding the porous fabric so that one of the folded sides is longer than the other; and further comprising the step of cutting the longer one of the folded sides to form pocket flaps that can be folded over to close the respective openings of the pockets.

30. A method according to claim 29; wherein each of the closure mechanisms comprises a first closure element and a second closure element that releasably connects to the first closure element; and wherein the providing step comprises the step of securing the first closure element and the second closure element to an inner surface of the flap and an outer surface of the shorter one of the folded sides, respectively, of the corresponding pocket.

31. A method according to claim 27; wherein each of the closure mechanisms comprises a first closure element and a second closure element that releasably connects to the first closure element; and wherein for each closure mechanism, the providing step comprises the step of securing the first closure element and the second closure element to opposite inner surfaces of the corresponding pocket and in confronting relation to one another.

32. A method according to claim 27; wherein the porous fabric and the handles are made of a terry cloth material.

33. A method according to claim 27; wherein the pouch has opposite main surfaces; and further comprising the step of securing a sheet of loofah at least on a portion of one of the main surfaces of the pouch.

34. A method according to claim 33; wherein the step of securing the sheet of loofah comprises securing the sheet of loofah on the entire one main surface of the pouch.

35. A method according to claim 34; wherein the step of securing the sheet of loofah comprises securing the sheet of loofah on the entire one main surface of the pouch by sewing the loofah sheet around the entire peripheral edge of the pouch by stitching.

36. A method according to claim 27; wherein the step of forming the plurality of individual pockets includes the step of forming a pair of extension panels at opposite ends of the pouch; and wherein the step of forming the handles comprises the step of securing the handles to the respective extension panels.

37. A disposable bathing device comprising:

a generally elongated body made of a disposable material, the body having a plurality of internal compartments extending lengthwise therealong, each of the compartments having an opening for receiving therein a cleanser;

a plurality of closure mechanisms that releasably close the respective openings of the compartments to retain the cleanser in the compartments during use of the bathing device; and

a pair of handles made of a disposable material, the handles being disposed at respective opposite ends of the elongated body to facilitate manipulation of the bathing device over the body of a user during use of the bathing device.

38. A disposable bathing device according to claim 37; wherein the disposable material is biodegradable.