WATER REMOVAL DEVICE FOR THE HUMAN BODY

Abstract

A water removal device is configured to remove residual water off a user after getting wet. A handle is configured to be held within a user's hand, the handle extending along a longitudinal axis between a bottom handle end to a top handle end. A wiping extension outwardly extends beyond the top handle end along the longitudinal axis from a proximal wiping extension end to a distal wiping extension end. The wiping extension has a plurality of wiping edges evenly disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending generally along the longitudinal axis. The entirety of the water removal device may be formed as a single contiguous part where it is made from an injection molded polymer.

Claims

1. A water removal device configured to remove residual water off a user after getting wet, the water removal device comprising: a handle configured to be held within a user's hand, the handle extending along a longitudinal axis between a bottom handle end to a top handle end; a wiping extension outwardly extending beyond the top handle end along the longitudinal axis from a proximal wiping extension end to a distal wiping extension end; wherein the wiping extension comprises a plurality of wiping edges evenly disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending generally along the longitudinal axis.

2. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the entirety of the water removal device is formed as a single contiguous part.

3. The water removal device of claim 2, wherein the water removal device consists of an injection molded polymer.

4. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wiping edges comprises at least 4 edges.

5. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wiping edges comprises at least 5 edges.

6. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wiping edges comprises at least 6 edges.

7. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wiping edges consists of 6 edges.

8. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein between each pair of adjacent wiping edges of the plurality of wiping edges comprises an inwardly shaped channel extending generally along the longitudinal axis.

9. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein a guard is disposed between the handle and the wiping extension, the guard disposed at the top handle end and the proximal wiping extension end, the guard having a larger minimum diameter in comparison to both a maximum diameter of the handle and a maximum diameter of the wiping extension.

10. The water removal device of claim 9, wherein an outer perimeter surface of the guard comprises a plurality of flat surfaces contiguous to one another.

11. The water removal device of claim 10, wherein a center of gravity of the water removal device is located within the handle and not in the wiping extension.

12. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the handle extends a distance of at least 3.5 inches and wherein the wiping extension extends a distance of at least 6 inches.

13. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of edges has a radius equal to or less than 0.020 inches.

14. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein a cross section taken through the wiping extension in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is star-shaped having at least five points forming the plurality of edges.

15. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein a cross section taken through the wiping extension in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis tapers from a larger cross section near the proximal wiping extension end to a smaller cross section near the distal wiping extension end.

16. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein the distal wiping extension end of the wiping extension is rounded.

17. The water removal device of claim 1, wherein a hole is disposed at the bottom handle end configured to accept a storage hook.

18. A water removal device configured to remove residual water off a user after getting wet, the water removal device comprising: a handle configured to be held within a user's hand, the handle extending along a longitudinal axis between a bottom handle end to a top handle end; a wiping extension outwardly extending beyond the top handle end along the longitudinal axis from a proximal wiping extension end to a distal wiping extension end; wherein the wiping extension comprises a plurality of wiping edges evenly disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending generally along the longitudinal axis; wherein the entirety of the water removal device is formed as a single contiguous part; and wherein the water removal device is an injection molded polymer.

19. A water removal device configured to remove residual water off a user after getting wet, the water removal device comprising: a handle configured to be held within a user's hand, the handle extending along a longitudinal axis between a bottom handle end to a top handle end; a wiping extension outwardly extending beyond the top handle end along the longitudinal axis between a proximal wiping extension end to a distal wiping extension end; wherein the wiping extension comprises a plurality of wiping edges evenly disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending generally along the longitudinal axis; wherein between each pair of adjacent wiping edges of the plurality of wiping edges comprises an inwardly shaped channel extending generally along the longitudinal axis; wherein a guard is disposed between the handle and the wiping extension, the guard disposed at the top handle end and the proximal wiping extension end, the guard having a larger minimum diameter in comparison to both a maximum diameter of the handle and a maximum diameter of the wiping extension; wherein an outer perimeter surface of the guard comprises a plurality of flat surfaces contiguous to one another; and wherein a center of gravity of the water removal device is located within the handle and not in the wiping extension.

20. The water removal device of claim 19, wherein a cross section taken through the wiping extension in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis tapers from a larger cross section near the proximal wiping extension end to a smaller cross section near the distal wiping extension end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the structure of FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a front view of the structure of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a top view of the structure of FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the structure of FIG. 1; and

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cleaning kit containing the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] As shown in the FIGS. 1-6 for purposes of illustration, the present invention for a water removal device 10 is referred to generally by the reference number 10. FIG. 7 shows a cleaning kit with the water removal device 10 that is configured to store within a shower in a space effective manner. Furthermore, to help interpreting FIGS. 1-7, the illustrations were made from a three dimensional computer aided drafting program where the tangent lines are showing as solid lines.

[0050] The water removal device 10 is configured to remove residual water off a user after getting wet, whether this be from the bath, shower, swimming pool, lake, ocean or the like. By removing a substantially large amount of water from the user's skin before a towel is used, it keeps the towel drier which in turn makes the towel more effective by staying drier. This also leads to less mold development within the towel over time and also reduced the need for laundry of the towel as often thus saving water overall.

[0051] The water removal device comprises a handle 11 configured to be held within a user's hand, the handle extends along a longitudinal axis 12 between a bottom handle end 13 to a top handle end 14. The handle may extend a distance of at least 3.5 inches but as shown here the handle is about 4 inches. 4 inches is a good length that will fit most hands of potential users. The diameter of the handle is about 0.75 inches, and again is a good diameter size for most users to grasp easily. It is understood by those skilled in the art that these dimensions could vary to some degree to allow for different designs while still keeping the intent of the present teaching.

[0052] As shown herein, the words DRYWAND are molded into the handle. The use of DRYWAND is just one potential marketing term and is not a critical aspect of the present invention, as no words are necessary for the device 10 to function appropriately. The diameter of the handle may also be larger or smaller without deviating from the scope of this teaching. Also, a texture of the surface of the handle may be used to help a user to grip the handle when in use.

[0053] A wiping extension 15 outwardly extends beyond the top handle end along the longitudinal axis from a proximal wiping extension end 16 to a distal wiping extension end 17. The wiping extension is the part of the device 10 that is used to make contact with the user's skin to whisk away residual water. The wiping extension comprises a plurality of wiping edges 18 evenly disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending generally along the longitudinal axis. The advantage of using a plurality of wiping edges 18 is that no matter how the user holds and positions the device 10 for use, at least one edge will make contact with the user's skin. This means one must not worry about the exact position of the device 10 in relation to the skin when used and dramatically simplifies use of the product while making it more effective at whisking away water.

[0054] Said differently, the wiping extension is star-shaped having a cross section taken through the wiping extension in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This star-shape may have at least 4, 5, 6 or more points forming the edges 18. To facilitate an edge 18 always coming into contact with the user's skin, the plurality of wiping edges may comprise at least 4 edges, at least 5 edges or at least 6 edges or more. Alternatively, the plurality of wiping edges may consist of 6 edges.

[0055] The wiping extension may extend a distance of at least 6 inches. As shown here, the wiping extension is about 6.75-7 inches. For a smaller version, the wiping extension should at least be or more than 4 inches to make it effective when in use. For a larger version, the extension could be extended beyond 9 inches or the like, but if too long it can become hard to navigate in the small confines of a shower. Therefore a distance of about 7 inches has been shown to be very effective. In other words, the length of the wiping extension should be at or less than 9 inches such that it is easy to use in a small shower space.

[0056] In other exemplary embodiments, the entirety of the water removal device may be formed as a single contiguous part. For example, the water removal device may be made as an injection molded polymer such as ABS, polycarbonate, and the like. It was originally envisioned that a rubber like squeegee edge would be needed for the device. However, during testing, it was discovered that a hard plastic edge worked much better as it was the skin that would easily deform about the edge. This in turn allows the device to be made in a single injection molded shot which reduces costs and increases the durability and manufacturability of the device 10.

[0057] Between each pair of adjacent wiping edges of the plurality of wiping edges there is an inwardly shaped channel 19 extending generally along the longitudinal axis. The channel 19 allows a path for water to collect and reside after it is scraped off of the user's skin.

[0058] A guard 20 may be disposed between the handle and the wiping extension, the guard being disposed at the top handle end and the proximal wiping extension end. The guard serves several purposes. First, the guard is able quickly communicate to a user which portion should be grasped and which portion is intended to whisk water away. Second, the guard also prevents the hand from slipping down into the wiping extension 15 portion. Accordingly, it is best if the guard has a larger minimum diameter in comparison to both a maximum diameter of the handle and a maximum diameter of the wiping extension.

[0059] Third, the outer perimeter surface 21 of the guard may comprise a plurality of flat surfaces 22 contiguous to one another. If the device 10 is laid down on an angled surface, the flat surfaces 22 prevent the device from rolling away. This is helpful such that the device 10 does not fall down onto the shower floor where it could be stepped upon. As shown here, there are six flat surfaces 22, yet it is understood that any number of flat surfaces could be used ranging from 3 to more than 8 surfaces. Obviously, if too many surfaces 22 are used it would then approximate the shape of a circle and lose the ability to remain in position once laid upon a surface.

[0060] Fourth, a center of gravity 24 of the water removal device may be located within the handle and not in the wiping extension. This means that when the device is laid down, the handle portion will fall to make contact with the ground and the wiping extension portion will remain cantilevered in the air, thus allowing it to dry more quickly. In other words, the center of gravity 24 is below the guard to the side of the handle and not to the side of the wiping extension.

[0061] In regards to each of the plurality of edges, they may have a radius equal to or less than 0.020 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.010 inches or 0.005 inches. The smaller the radius, the sharper the edge becomes which in turn better whisks away the water. These radius are not sharp enough to cut one's skin while in use but do effectively whisk away water.

[0062] As can be seen in the figures, a cross section taken through the wiping extension in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis tapers from a larger cross section near the proximal wiping extension end to a smaller cross section near the distal wiping extension end. The taper is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 where one can see the taper of the wiping extension getting smaller as it gets closer to the distal wiping extension end 17. This taper is for aesthetic purposes as it is not necessarily needed, but does seem to be helpful for use as improving the balance of the device when held in a user's hand.

[0063] Furthermore, to make sure the distal wiping extension end 17 does not have any sharp edges that could be scraped or stabbed into the user during use, the distal wiping extension end 17 of the wiping extension may be rounded 25. This rounding 25 of the edges 18 at the end 17 increases the safety and comfort of the device and is a critical feature.

[0064] To aid in storage of the device 10, a hole 23 may be disposed at the bottom handle end configured to accept a storage hook. As shown herein, the hole is part of a larger ring feature 26. The ring feature 26 helps to define the bottom of the handle 11 and prevents the device from slipping out of one's hand. Furthermore, a user can actually place a finger through the hole 23 if they prefer for use.

[0065] The use of a storage hook is best seen in FIG. 7 which shows an assembly utilizing the device 10. A shower wall bracket 30 has a plurality of hooks 31 such that the device 10 may be hung for storage. Holes 32 allow suction cups (not shown) to be engaged and captured such that the suction cups hold the bracket 30 to the wall of the shower. The bracket has three hooks 31 such that now a tongue scraper 33 and a hair detangler 34 can be added for increased functionality. The hair detangler also includes a single concave wiping edge 35 meant to press against one's scalp and hair such that water can be most easily wiped from the hair along the top of the head.

[0066] Now, while taking a shower one can use the tongue scraper while in the shower as this is a very convenient time and location for such use. Then, after the shower is over, one can take about 5 second to use the hair detangler 34 to remove a large portion of water trapped in the hair along the scalp. Finally, one can take about thirty seconds to a minute to wipe any residual water with the device 10. As taught before, this removes a large portion of the water such that one's towel remains drier, which makes the towel more effective, keeps the towel fresher and reduces mold development in the towel. This in turn reduces the need to launder the towel as often.

[0067] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.