Selectively Configurable Washing Article

Abstract

A handheld washing article that is used during bathing having a first pocket that is made of cloth and a second pocket that is made of mesh. The opening of the first pocket is connected to the opening of the second pocket along a common seam that encircles the washing article. The cloth first pocket and the mesh second pocket share a common open interior. The cloth first pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the cloth first pocket will extend into, and line, the mesh second pocket. The mesh second pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the mesh second pocket will extend into, and line, the cloth first pocket. The washing article can be selectively configured to be all cloth, all mesh, or both, depending upon the manipulations of the washing article.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to washing articles that are used to help clean the body when bathing. More particularly, the present invention relates to hand-held washing articles that contain both sections of soft cloth and sections of exfoliating material to assist in the bathing process.

2. Prior Art Description

Many people use a washcloth when bathing. The washcloth helps hold lather and is very useful for cleaning delicate places, such as around the eyes and ears. Many people also use an exfoliating product, such as a loofah, when bathing. The exfoliating product helps remove stubborn dirt as well as smooth the skin. Since both washcloths and exfoliating products are used during bathing, some manufacturers have developed products that combine the features of a washcloth with an exfoliating product. Often, the combination involves providing a soft cloth on one side of a washcloth and covering the other side with an exfoliating material. In this manner, the cloth material or the exfoliating material can be brought into contact with the skin depending upon how the product is held by the bather. Such prior art dual-material washcloths are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,514,802 to Keech and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0256261 Benitez.

Dual material washcloths have certain disadvantages when bathing. During bathing, a person often picks up various objects, such as shampoo, soap, a washcloth, and the like. As such, it is commonplace for the washcloth to be picked up, put down, and exchanged between hands multiple times. When a double-sided washcloth is picked up or exchanged between hands, the exposed surface is likely to be reversed as the washcloth is manipulated. This is especially true if the bather's eyes are closed due to the presence of water or lather. Accordingly, a bather may grasp the washcloth and wipe their face with the exfoliating material rather than the expected soft cloth.

In an attempt to make dual-material washcloths more manageable, dual-material wash mitts have been developed. There are wash mitts in which the hand fits between a soft cloth and an exfoliating pad. Such prior art is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,447 to Fallvene. Although such mitts may be easier to use, such mitts position one material on the back of the hand. Accordingly, the mitt must be repeatedly rotated on the hand to use both the soft cloth and the exfoliating material effectively.

A need therefore exists for a more versatile washing article that can present both a soft material and an exfoliating material regardless of how the washing article is grasped. Furthermore, a need exists for a washing article that can be selectively converted between a soft wash cloth and an exfoliating pad, depending on the needs of the bather. These needs are met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a handheld washing article that is used during bathing and showering. The washing article has a first pocket that is made of cloth and a second pocket that is made of mesh. The opening of the first pocket is connected to the opening of the second pocket along a common seam that encircles the washing article. The cloth first pocket and the mesh second pocket share a common open interior. The cloth first pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the cloth first pocket will extend into, and line, the second mesh pocket. Likewise, the mesh second pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the mesh second pocket will extend into, and line, the first mesh pocket. In this manner, the washing article can be selectively configured to be all cloth, all mesh, or both cloth and mesh, depending upon the manipulations of the washing article by the bather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a washing article in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the washing article divided into two opposed pockets;

FIG. 5 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 folded into a first configuration;

FIG. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 folded into a second configuration;

FIG. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 folded into a third configuration;

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention washing article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the present invention washing article can be embodied in many ways, only two exemplary embodiments are illustrated. The exemplary embodiments are being shown for the purposes of explanation and description. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a washing article 10 is shown. The washing article 10 has a top first panel 12 and a bottom second panel 14 that are interconnected along a common periphery 16. This provides the washing article 10 with the same general structure as a bag, albeit without an opening. The washing article 10 defines an interior space 18 that is interposed between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 within the common periphery 16.

The first panel 12 is divided into two sections 20, 22. The first panel is bisected to create a first cloth section 20 and a second mesh section 22, wherein the cloth section 20 and the mesh section 22 have comparable surface areas. The cloth section 20 is made from a soft cloth material 24. The cloth material 24 can be synthetic, but is preferably a natural material such as cotton fibers or bamboo fibers. The mesh section 22 is made from a mesh material 26. The mesh material 26 provides a mild exfoliating surface for use during washing. The mesh material 26 itself can be woven from fibers that are the same or different from that of the soft cloth material 24.

Likewise, the bottom second panel 14 is divided into two sections 30, 32 that have the mirrored construction of the first panel 12. The bottom panel 14, therefore, also has a cloth section 30 and a mesh section 32. The cloth section 30 and the mesh section 32 have the same surface areas as the corresponding cloth and mesh sections 20, 22 on the first panel 12. The cloth section 30 on the second panel 14 is made from the same soft cloth material 24 as the cloth section 20 on the first panel 12. As will be explained, both cloth sections 20, 30 are made from the same folded segment of cloth material 24. Likewise, the mesh material 26 on the second panel 14 is made of the same mesh material 26 as is used on the first panel 12. Accordingly, both the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 are partially made of the cloth material 24 and are partially made of mesh material 26.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it can be seen that the overall washing article 10 is made from two segments 34, 36 of material. The two segments 34, 36 include a first segment 34 of the cloth material 24 and a second segment 36 of the mesh material 26. The first segment 34 of the cloth material 24 is generally rectangular, having a first long edge 38, a second long edge 40, and two short edges 42, 44. Likewise, the second segment 36 of the mesh material 26 is generally rectangular, having a first long edge 48, a second long edge 50, and two short edges 52, 54.

The first segment 34 of the cloth material 24 is folded so that the two shorts edges 42, 44 of the first segment 34 align and abut. The two short edges 42, 44 are sewn together along a common seam 46. Furthermore, the second long edge 40 is sewn together along a common seam 47. This creates a cloth pocket 60 that is closed along three sides. The cloth pocket 60 has an interior that is accessible through an open end 61. The peripheral rim 63 of the open end is formed by the folded first long edge 38.

The second segment 36 of the mesh material 26 is folded so that the two shorts edges 52, 54 of the second segment 36 abut. The two short edges 52, 54 are sewn together along a common seam 56. Furthermore, the second long edge 50 is sewn together along a common seam 57. This creates a mesh pocket 62 that is closed along three sides. The mesh pocket 62 has an interior accessible through an open end 65. The peripheral rim 67 of the open end is formed by the folded first long edge 48.

The peripheral rim 63 of the cloth pocket 60 is sewn to the peripheral rim 67 of the mesh pocket 62 along a central seam 64. The interiors of the cloth pocket 60 and the mesh pocket 62 join in an unobstructed manner. The central seam 64 encircles the middle of the washing article 10, therein dividing the cloth section 20 and the mesh section 22.

Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it can be seen that the mesh pocket 62 can be inverted into the cloth pocket 60. In this configuration, a double layered pocket 66 is created where the mesh pocket 62 lines the interior of the cloth pocket 60. This configuration exposes only the cloth material 24 on the exterior of the cloth pocket 60. The interior of the cloth pocket 60, with its lining of mesh material 26, is accessible through the opening 68 defined at the central seam 64. In this manner, objects, such as a person's hand or a bar of soap, can be placed into the double layered pocket 66 during washing. This makes all of the cloth material 24 available for washing. Since only the cloth material 24 is exposed, the washing article 10 is appropriate for washing delicate areas or the skin or the skin of a baby.

Referring to FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it can be seen that the cloth pocket 60 can be inverted into the mesh pocket 62. In this configuration, a double layered pocket 70 is created where the cloth pocket 60 lines the interior of the mesh pocket 62. This configuration exposes only the mesh material 26 on the exterior of the mesh pocket 62. The interior of the mesh pocket 62, with its lining of cloth material 24 is accessible through the opening 72 defined by the central seam 64. In this manner, objects, such as a person's hand or a bar of soap, can be placed inside the double layered pocket 70 during washing. This makes all of the mesh material 26 available for washing. Since only the mesh material 26 is exposed, the washing article 10 is appropriate for washing areas that need stronger cleaning or exfoliation.

Referring to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it can be seen that the washing article 10 can be partially inverted laterally, wherein one half the cloth pocket 60 is inverted into its second half and one half of the mesh pocket 62 is inverted into its second half. In this configuration, a double layered pocket 80 is created where both cloth material 24 and mesh material 26 are exposed on the exterior of the double layered pocket 80. The interior of the double layered pocket 80 is accessible through an opening 82 that is bisected by the central seam 64. Objects, such as a person's hand or a bar of soap, can be placed inside the double layered pocket 80 during washing.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of the washing article 90 is shown. In this embodiment, the washing article 90 is the same as was previously described and can be reconfigured in the same manners as were previously described. The difference is that an opening 92 is formed in the washing article 90 that an object, such as a bar of soap, to be placed within the washing article 90. The opening 92 can be disposed long any of the seams. In the shown embodiment, the opening 92 is formed along the central seam 94. By not sewing the cloth pocket 96 to the mesh pocket 98 along a section of the central seam 94, the opening 92 can be created.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. For instance, the size and shape of the washing article can be varied. For example, the washing article can be spherical. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A washing article, comprising:

a first pocket accessible through a first pocket opening, wherein said first pocket opening has a first peripheral rim, and wherein said first pocket is made of cloth material;

a second pocket accessible through a second pocket opening, wherein said second pocket opening has a second peripheral rim, and wherein said second pocket is made of mesh material; and

wherein said first peripheral rim of said first pocket opening is connected to said second peripheral rim of said second pocket opening along a common seam.

2. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said first pocket and said second pocket are equal in size and said common seam bisects said washing article.

3. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said first pocket defines an interior space and said second pocket can be selectively inverted and received within said first pocket through said first pocket opening.

4. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said second pocket defines an interior space and said first pocket can be selectively inverted and received within said second pocket through said second pocket opening.

5. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said cloth material of said first pocket is a single segment of cloth folded in half and sewn along two sides to form said first pocket.

6. The washing article according to claim 5, wherein said single segment of cloth is rectangular in shape, having a first long edge, a second long edge, and two short edges, wherein said first long edge is folded in half and sewn closed and said two short edges are sewn together.

7. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said mesh material of said second pocket is a single segment of mesh folded in half and sewn along two side to form said second pocket.

8. The washing article according to claim 7, wherein said single segment of mesh is rectangular in shape, having a first long edge, a second long edge, and two short edges, wherein said first long edge is folded in half and sewn closed and said two short edges are sewn together.

9. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said first pocket and said second pocket define a shared open interior that is encircled by said common seam.

10. The washing article according to claim 9, wherein an access opening is provided along said common seam to provide access to said shared open interior.

11. A washing article, comprising:

a first panel having a first cloth section and a first mesh section, wherein said first cloth section is made of cloth material and said first mesh section is made of mesh material;

a second panel having a second cloth section and a second mesh section, wherein said first panel is joined to said second panel only along a common periphery, wherein said second cloth section is made of cloth material and said second mesh section is made of mesh material; and

wherein said first cloth section and said second cloth section are vertically aligned.

12. The washing article according to claim 11, wherein said first mesh section and said second mesh section are vertically aligned.

13. The washing article according to claim 11, wherein said first panel and said second panel define a shared open interior.

14. The washing article according to claim 13, wherein said first panel and said second panel are bisected by a central seam, wherein said washing article is made from said cloth material on a first side of said central seam and said washing article is made from said mesh material on said second side of said central seam.

15. The washing article according to claim 14, wherein an access opening is provided along said common seam to provide access to said shared open interior.

16. The washing article according to claim 15, wherein said cloth material on said first side can be selected inverted and received within said mesh material on said second side.

17. The washing article according to claim 15, wherein said mesh material on said second side can be selected inverted and received within said cloth material on said first side.

18. The washing article according to claim 15, wherein said cloth material of said first side is a single segment of cloth folded in half and sewn to form a first pocket.

19. The washing article 18, wherein said mesh material of said second side is a single segment of mesh folded in half and sewn to form a second pocket.

20. The washing article according to claim 19, wherein said central seam joins said first pocket to said second pocket.