Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Shower – Convenience accessories
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-05
2001-05-08
Douglas, Steven O. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Shower
Convenience accessories
C015S207200, C015SDIG005
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226811
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to epidermal cleaning and massaging devices of the type comprising a rigid base which may be attached such as by suction cups to the wall or floor of a shower wherein the device is further provided with a scrubbing contact surface which affords safe, comfortable, and effective scrubbing of body parts such as the back and feet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art includes numerous devices intended for use in a shower to scrub and clean a user's back. One such device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,389 to Ballares et al. comprises a sponge releasably attached to a holder which, in turn, is mounted by suction cups on a shower wall or floor. Other devices exhibit long soft bristles which are slow to dry and can breed mildew. Other devices are adapted to receive plumbing whereby a stream of water may be caused to emanate from and/or through the scrubbing surface; see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,907 to Doggwiler.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the principal objective of this invention to provide an improved scrubbing device of the type and class described above but in which the structure providing the scrubbing surface is essentially integral with a rigid base, is constructed so as to be essentially permanent in nature and is detailed in such a way so as to provide a safe, comfortable, stimulating, and effective epidermal scrubbing action in a showering or bathing environment.
In general, this is objective is achieved through the provision of a relatively rigid base, typically plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and further providing an essentially integral scrubbing surface device characterized by a two-dimensional array of spaced soft plastic and smooth surfaced, nub-like protrusions of a uniform height on the order of ⅛ to ⅜ of an inch. The nub-like protrusions preferably have a height-to-width ratio of between approximately 1:1 and 3:1 and are spaced apart so as to provide a density of between 4 and 16 nub-like protrusions per square inch.
In the preferred embodiment, these nub-like protrusions are supplemented by one or more columns or rows of slightly larger and higher protrusions so as to provide a more effective scrubbing and/or stimulating action for certain parts of the body such as the center of the back or the feet.
The device of the present invention is effective both with and without soap and with suction cups on the rear surface thereof, may be configured variously to suit both functional and aesthetic objectives. It requires no periodic replacement of inserts and is readily cleaned and disinfected.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3577985 (1971-05-01), Guffin
patent: 3750226 (1973-08-01), Morgan
patent: 5175896 (1993-01-01), Zamir
patent: 5277389 (1994-01-01), Ballares et al.
patent: 5450647 (1995-09-01), Dorsey
patent: 5517705 (1996-05-01), Jackson
patent: 5588160 (1996-12-01), Nichols
patent: 5729858 (1998-03-01), Riffel
patent: 5774907 (1998-07-01), Doggwiler
patent: 5784722 (1998-07-01), Ureta et al.
Douglas Steven O.
Prunner Kathleen J.
Young & Basile P.C.
LandOfFree
Epidermal scrubbing device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Epidermal scrubbing device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Epidermal scrubbing device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2561752