Container for Melding Pieces of Soap

Abstract

An apparatus for melding two substances together, such as a soap sliver and a bar of soap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/771,805, “Container for Melding Pieces of Soap,” filed Mar. 2, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A. Technical Field

The present invention pertains generally to containers, and relates more particularly to a container for melding soap slivers to a bar of soap.

B. Background of the Invention

This background section is provided to describe various problems of the current art that are addressed by the present invention. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with background information to help the reader better understand the invention. Accordingly, this background section should be understood in this light and not as admissions of prior art.

Millions, if not billions, of people throughout the world use bar soap every day to keep themselves clean. One problem associated with bar soap is that it becomes fragile and difficult to handle when it wears down to a small size, commonly referred to as a soap sliver. All users of bar soap have to deal with soap slivers. Many people simply discard soap slivers when they become too difficult to handle. Others may try to use every ounce of soap and thus continue to use, with great difficulty, the sliver until it has been almost completely exhausted. Of course many of these users lose the slivers down the drain as they become difficult to handle due to the small size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a container 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a bottom portion 120 of a container according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a top portion 130 of a container according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the underside of a top portion 130 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1E is a cross sectional view of a container 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a container 200 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a container 200 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a bottom portion 220 of a container according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a top portion 230 of a container according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a scrubber 300 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a loop of nylon mesh 410 according to embodiments on the invention.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of nylon mesh formed in a “C” shape 420 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a partial construction of a scrubber 300 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a partial construction of a scrubber 300 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a partial construction of a scrubber 300 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a partial construction of a scrubber 300 according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of scrubber 300 positioned on a hand according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of scrubber 300 positioned on a hand according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of scrubber 300 positioned on a hand according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, described below, may be crafted with a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, wood, stainless steel, or combinations thereof Accordingly, the figures described herein are illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “preferred embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention and may be in more than one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or embodiments.

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a container 100 for melding a first piece of soap 105 (e.g., a bar of soap) with a second piece of soap 110 (e.g., a soap sliver) according to embodiments of the invention). In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, container 100 is comprised of a bottom portion 120, a top portion 130 and an optional compressible material 140. In embodiments, top portion 130 couples to bottom portion 120. For example, in embodiments, the bottom portion 120 comprises multiple settings 190 at which the top portion 130 may couple to the bottom portion 120. As discussed further herein, the multiple settings 190 allow the height of the top portion 130 relative to the base of the bottom portion 120 to vary based on the setting at which the top portion 130 is coupled to the bottom portion 120.

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the top portion 130 according to embodiments of the invention. In embodiments, top portion is comprised of a top surface 180, a lip 175 and two voids 185. In embodiments, lip 175 couples to one of the multiple settings 190 of the bottom portion 120 as discussed further herein. In embodiments, the two voids 185 allow the top portion 130 to flex when the top portion is squeezed at points A and B marked on FIG. 1C as discussed further herein.

FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective view of the top portion 130 according to embodiments of the invention. In embodiments, the underside of surface 180 of the top portion 130 may comprise one or more hooks 181. In embodiments, the hooks 181 may be used to tie in the optional compressible material, such as a sponge, shower pouf or other material capable of being compressed, thus securing the compressible material 140 to the top portion 130. In embodiments, the optional compressible material 140 may be secured to the top portion 130 using glue or other adhesives. In embodiments, the top portion 130 itself, or a portion thereof, may be constructed of a compressible material, such as rubber, sponge, etc.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the bottom portion 120 according to embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, bottom portion 120 is comprised of a bottom surface 150. In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, bottom surface 150 may be comprised of drainage holes 145 (e.g., voids) that allow water to escape from container 100. In embodiments, bottom surface 150 is also comprised of small spikes 155 spaced throughout bottom surface 150 to provide traction to hold a piece of soap in place. While the embodiment of FIG. 1B uses spikes to provide traction for the bottom surface 150, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to provide traction for bottom surface 150 that are within the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, bottom surface 150 is also comprised of a sidewall 160 that is coupled to the bottom surface 150. In embodiments, bottom surface 150 and sidewall 160 form a cavity 170 that holds one or more pieces of soap to be melded together by container 100. It is worth noting that the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B has a single sidewall since the sidewall is oval shaped. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to oval shaped containers. Other container shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangular or octagonal, also fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is worth noting that other shapes, such as a rectangular shaped container, may comprise multiple sidewalls that are joined together and to bottom surface 150 to create cavity 170. Further, it is worth noting that the sidewalls need not be solid. In embodiments, the sidewalls may also have holes or other voids that provide drainage, ventilation, and or aesthetic qualities.

In embodiments, bottom portion 120 comprises multiple settings 190 at which the top portion 130 may be coupled to the bottom portion 120 to alter the height of top portion 130 with respect to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, different layers of teeth extending from the sidewall 160 provide multiple settings 190 at which the top portion 130 may be positioned with respect to the bottom surface 150 as discussed further herein.

A discussion of how the present invention melds a first piece of soap to a second piece of soap according to embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the exploded view shown in FIG. 1A. In embodiments, a user will place a piece of soap 105 (e.g., a bar of soap) into cavity 170 of the bottom portion 120. In embodiments, the user will place a second piece of soap 110 (e.g., a soap sliver) that the user wishes to meld to the first piece of soap 105 on top of the first piece of soap 105 in cavity 170.

In embodiments, the user places an optional compressible material 140 on top of the second piece of soap 110 in cavity 170. Depending on the thickness of the compressible material 140, at least a portion of the compressible material 140 may protrude out of cavity 170. In embodiments, the compressible material 140 may be directly attached to the top portion 130 through glue, tying, etc. as discussed previously. In embodiments, the top portion 130 itself, or a portion thereof, may be constructed from a compressible material.

In embodiments, the top portion 130 is coupled to one of the multiple settings 190 of the bottom portion 120. As discussed previously, the multiple settings 190 provide multiple positions at which the top portion 130 may be positioned with respect to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120. As a result, the height of the top portion 130 relative to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120 may be varied to vary the pressure applied by the top portion 130 to the second piece of soap 110, either directly or through the optional compressible material 140.

In embodiments, the user may squeeze the top portion 130 to alter the shape of the top portion 130 so that it will fit between the teeth of the multiple settings 190. When the user positions the top portion 130 at the desired setting, the user may release the top portion 130 so that it returns to its normal size and couples to the desired teeth of the multiple settings 190. For example, FIG. 1E is a cross sectional view of container 100, according to embodiments of the invention, with the top portion 130 coupled to the top setting of the multiple settings 190 of bottom portion 120. As shown in FIG. 1E, the lip 175 of the top portion fits between the four top teeth and the second four highest teeth to secure the top portion 130 to the bottom portion 120. By squeezing the top portion 130 and lowering it to a lower set of teeth within the multiple settings 190, the user may adjust the height of the top portion 130 relative to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120. Thus, but adjusting the position of the top portion 130, the user increases or decreases the height of the cavity 170 of the container 100, thus decreasing or increasing, respectively, the pressure on the contents of the cavity, e.g., the first piece of soap, the second piece of soap and the optional compressible material 140.

In embodiments, the pressure applied by the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 120 on the pieces of soap results in the soap pieces melding together over time. For example, if left overnight, the pieces of soap will be stuck together securely and may be used as a single piece of soap. This has the advantage of reducing the inconvenience of dealing with small soap slivers and avoids the waste that is often associated with discarding soap slivers.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to using “teeth” to establish multiple settings 190 at which the top portion 130 may be coupled to the bottom portion 120, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to design the container to allow for multiple settings 190 of the top portion 130 with respect to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses other designs that allow for multiple settings 190 of the top portion 130 with respect to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120. For example, a ratcheting system could be used to establish multiple settings 190 of the top portion 130 with respect to the bottom portion 120. As another example, multiple holes at different depths could be cut into the sidewall of bottom portion 120 to which protrusions from the top portion 130 could engage to control the height of the top portion 120 with respect to the bottom surface 150 of the bottom portion 120. Likewise, the protrusions at various depths could emanate from the sidewall 160 of the bottom portion 120 and couple to matching holes in the top portion 130. One skilled in the art will recognize that these designs for providing multiple settings 190 and others all fall within the scope of the present invention.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1E have been described with respect to the bottom portion 120 of the container having the multiple settings 190 at which the top portion 130 may couple to the bottom portion 120, the present invention is not limited to such arrangements. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention also covers other embodiments, such as containers in which the multiple settings 190 are designed into the top portion 130 for which the bottom portion 120 couples with the top portion 130.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a container 200 for melding a first piece of soap 105 (e.g., a bar of soap) with a second piece of soap 110 (e.g., a soap sliver) according to embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, container 200 is comprised of a bottom portion 220, a top portion 230 and a compressible material 245. In embodiments, top portion 230 couples to the bottom portion 220. For example, in FIG. 2A, tabs 240 of the bottom portion 220 couple to the matching holes 250 in top portion 230 when they are brought together, resulting in a closed container as shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the bottom portion 220, shown in FIG. 2A, according to embodiments of the invention. In embodiments, bottom portion 220 is comprised of a bottom surface 260 and a plurality of sidewalls 270 coupled to the surface 260 to form a cavity 280 to hold one or more of the pieces of soap. In embodiments, the cavity 280 may be sufficiently large enough to hold both pieces of soap and the compressible material 245, when compressed. In the embodiment of FIG. 2C, the surface 260 is the base of the container and comprises spikes 265 that provide traction to hold a piece of soap in place. While in this embodiment, traction is provided with small spikes, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to provide traction on surface 260 that fall within the scope of the present invention.

While the embodiment of FIG. 2C comprises tabs 240 in the bottom portion 220 and matching holes 250 in the top portion 230 that couple the two portions of the container together, the present invention is not limited to this type of coupling. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to couple the top portion 230 and bottom portion 220 of a container, including, but not limited to, living hinges, snaps, straps, etc. One skilled in the art will recognize that all of these means for coupling and others fall within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the top portion 230 shown in FIG. 2A according to embodiments of the invention. In embodiments, top portion 230 is comprised of a top surface 290 and a plurality of sidewalls 295 that create a cavity 297. In embodiments, top portion 230 may simply comprise a top surface 290 that may be coupled to the bottom portion 220, for example, by a living hinge design, snaps, straps, etc. In embodiments, when the top portion 230 and the bottom portion 220 are coupled together, the cavity of the closed container 200 comprises the cavities 280 and 297.

In embodiments, when closed, the cavity of container 200 is sufficient to hold the first piece 105 (e.g., a bar of soap), the second piece 110 (e.g. a soap sliver) and the compressible material 245. In embodiments, the thickness of the compressible material 245 is such that when the container 200 is closed, the top surface 290 compresses the compressible material 245 into the stacked pieces of soap to meld the pieces of soap together. For example, if the enclosed container is left overnight, the first piece of soap will be melded (or stuck) to the second piece of soap to create a combined piece of soap. The combined piece relives the user of having to deal with the small soap slivers, which are often difficult to handle and fragile. Further, the present invention reduces the waste that is often associated with simply discarding small soap slivers due to the inconvenience and difficulty of using them in the shower, etc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a shower scrubber 300 that may be used as a compressible material according to embodiments invention. For example, in embodiments, scrubber 300 may be used as the compressible material in container 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. In embodiments, scrubber 300 is made from a nylon netting material that is well known for creating various shower scrubbers (also referred to as shower “poufs”). In embodiments, scrubber 300 is constructed, as discussed further herein, from four separate pieces of nylon netting, each formed in the shape of a tube. In embodiments, the length of the tube of nylon material may be varied to change the thickness of the resulting shower scrubber. FIGS. 4A through 4F, and the discussion below, describe how to make scrubber 300 according to embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the description below. Similar scrubbers made of different materials or crafted differently also fall within the scope of the present invention.

In embodiments, each of the four tubes of nylon mesh material is rolled to produce four loops of nylon mesh 410, similar to the one shown in FIG. 4A. In embodiments, two opposing edges, labeled A and B of a nylon mesh loop 410 are overlapped to create a “C” shape 420 as shown in FIG. 4B. In embodiments, for the first link in the scrubber 300, the opposing edges of the “C” shape 420, labeled C and D, are also overlapped to form a circle shape 425 as shown in FIG. 4C. In embodiments, overlapping edges C and D are tied together with a knot 412 to maintain the circular shape with a hole 430 through the center as shown in FIG. 4C. In embodiments, the string used to form the knot 412 may optionally be used to create a loop of string 422 that may be used to hang the scrubber 300 from a faucet, rack, hook, etc.

In embodiments, a second link 435 in scrubber 300 is created by overlapping opposing edges of a second loop of nylon mesh as shown in FIG. 4B. In embodiments, one of the edges C or D of the resulting “C” shape 420 is threaded through hole 430 of the first link shown in FIG. 4C. The resulting two links are shown in FIG. 4D.

In embodiments a third link 445 in scrubber 300 is created by overlapping opposing edges of a third loop of nylon mesh as shown in FIG. 4B. In embodiments, one of the edges C or D of the resulting “C” shape 420 of the third link is threaded through the holes in the edges C and D of the second link 435. The resulting three links are shown in FIG. 4E.

In embodiments a fourth link 455 in scrubber 300 is created by overlapping opposing edges of a fourth loop of nylon mesh as shown in FIG. 4B. In embodiments, one of the edges C or D of the resulting “C” shape 420 of the fourth link is threaded through the holes in the edges C and D of the third link 445 as shown in FIG. 4F. In embodiments, the fourth link 455 is the final link in scrubber 300. In embodiments, the two edges C and D of the fourth link 455 are overlapped and tied together to create the scrubber 300 as shown in FIG. 3.

It is worth noting that the weaved construction of scrubber 300 shown in FIG. 3 results in four holes 430 that extend through scrubber 300. In embodiments, these holes 430 allow the user to insert the user's finger through the scrubber 300 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. This innovative design provides the user with a comfortable and natural way to hold scrubber 300 while bathing. Since the user does not have to grip the scrubber, the user can use a natural open hand motion while washing the user's body. Further, when the user forms a fist while the scrubber 300 is positioned on the user's fingers, the user can apply greater pressure while scrubbing with the portion of scrubber 300 attached to the back of the user's hand. Again, this provides the user with greater control of the scrubber 300 while bathing.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the preceding examples and embodiments are exemplary and not limiting to the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above disclose melding two pieces of soap together, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be used to combine other materials as well. Similarly, while the scrubber 300 is described for use as a bathing sponge, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention has broader applicability. It is intended that all permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus that melds together a first piece of soap and a second piece of soap comprising:

a first portion comprising a first surface and at least one sidewall coupled to the first surface, the first portion further comprising a plurality of settings in the at least one sidewall; and

a second portion that is positioned at one of the plurality of settings in the at least one sidewall.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall is solid.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface is the base of the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion is a lid of the apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the at least one sidewall create a cavity that holds the first piece of soap and the second piece of soap.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second portion compresses the second piece of soap with the first piece of soap.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second portion comprises a compressible material.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a compressible material located between the first portion and the second portion compresses the first piece of soap with the second piece of soap.

9. An apparatus that melds together a first piece of soap and a second piece of soap comprising:

a first portion comprising a first surface and at least one sidewall coupled to the first surface, wherein the first surface and the at least one sidewall create a cavity that holds at least the first piece of soap;

a second portion comprising a second surface, wherein the second portion couples to the first portion; and

a compressible material that is positioned between the first surface and the second surface to press the second piece of soap into the first piece of soap when the second portion is coupled to the first portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first surface is a base of the apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base has drainage holes.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second portion is a lid of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one sidewall is solid.

14. An apparatus that melds together a first piece of soap and a second piece of soap comprising:

a first portion comprising a first surface and at least one sidewall coupled to the first surface, wherein the first surface and the at least one sidewall create a cavity that holds at least the first piece of soap;

a second portion that couples to the first portion, the second portion comprising a second surface that presses the second piece of soap into the first piece of soap when the second portion is coupled to the first portion.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the second surface is made of a flexible material.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the second surface is made of a compressible material.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first surface is a base of the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the base has drainage holes.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second portion is a lid of the apparatus.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one sidewall is solid.