Protective Enclosure for a Bar of Soap

Abstract

A protective enclosure for a bar of soap that is designed to securely fix a bar of soap to a base, itself exhibiting receiving and securing mechanism, a centralized ventilation port and drain (or drains), and an occlusive top enclosure, wherein, once the soap is fixed to the securing mechanisms, through the application of force, and subsequent to first use, the soap and base of the protective enclosure form an adhesive seal facilitated by said securing mechanisms and drain or drains. The top enclosure and base themselves are reversibly adherable to one another through magnetic, mechanical means or a combination of both. The soap can be used either attached to the base of the protective enclosure or detached from the base of the protective enclosure.

Claims

1. A protective enclosure for a bar of soap, comprising: a top enclosure; said top enclosure comprised of a flat, top surface and four side surfaces extending downward and substantially orthogonally, and away from said flat, top surface; said side surfaces having two opposite sides displaying mirrored extended protrusions; said each extended protrusion having one or more adherable securing mechanisms installed within to secure the top enclosures with a base; a base; said base consisting of a flat, bottom surface; said flat bottom surface exhibiting two raised sides; said flat bottom surface exhibiting two mirrored recessed sides extending below the rectangular bottom surface; said recessed sides having one or more adherable securing mechanisms installed within to secure the base with the top enclosure; said base exhibiting a centrally disposed drain; said base exhibiting one to a plurality of securing mechanisms to secure a bar of soap in a fixed position to the base; and wherein the top enclosure and base are reversibly adherable and secured via mating of the protrusions and recessed sides through reciprocal adherable securing mechanism.

2. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein said one or more securing mechanisms on the top enclosure and base comprises one of magnets, magnet and reciprocal metal, interlocking mechanism, notches, tabs, pins, clips, beveled sides, tongue and groove joints or a combination thereof.

3. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein said top enclosure and base may be joined, adhered through magnetic attraction and separated by overcoming said magnetic attraction.

4. The protective enclosure of claim 3, wherein magnetically charged structures in said top enclosure are oppositely charged to magnetically charged structures in said base as to create attraction.

5. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the one or more adherable securing mechanisms used to secure the top enclosure to the base are configured in the form of one or more magnetic elements which comprises one of rectangular, square, cylindrical and circular.

6. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the top enclosure surface exhibits one to a plurality of venting structures.

7. (canceled)

8. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is configured in the form of one or more geometric or ornamental shapes.

9. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein said top enclosure and said base have same color or different colors.

10. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein said top enclosure or said base or both, comprises one of opaque, translucent, fluorescent, uniformly colored, and multi-colored or a combination thereof.

11. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is made of one of metal, wood, plastic, rubber, silicone, ceramic, metal alloy, recyclable materials, injectable materials and a combination thereof.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. A method of placing and maintaining a bar of soap in the protective enclosure of claim 1 comprising the steps of: removing a bar of soap from a container or overwrap; applying pulling forces greater than the attractive forces of the adherable securing mechanisms; opening said protective enclosure; accessing said protective enclosure base; said base having a superior surface, an inferior (bottom) surface and opposing walls about the perimeter of said base; exposing the securing mechanisms; positioning soap atop and onto said securing mechanisms; applying force sufficient to penetrate said soap with said securing mechanisms; continuing application of force until said soap is flush with the superior portion of said base; and utilizing said soap in bathing.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, after soap use: allowing excess moisture to evaporate at ambient temperatures from said soap; and allowing for the solidification and strengthening, from soap becoming dislodged, the bond(s) to securing mechanisms, via evaporation, between securing mechanisms and soap.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: allowing said soap to dry after use thereby freeing said soap of external moisture.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of: attaching said top enclosure to said base for securement, transport and storage of said soap.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: opening said protective enclosure for next use; and using bar of soap until the contents of said bar have dissipated to the point requiring soap replacement.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein said securing mechanisms utilized for soap securement are placed perpendicular to said base surface and may be comprised of posts, pylons, pillars, shafts, pickets or supports.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein said soap is dislodged from the base prior to utilizing in bathing and then secured to the base after bathing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] So that the manner in which the present invention can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions can admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

[0045] Moreover, advantages and other aspects of the invention will be readily appreciated by those persons having skill in the art and may be better understood with further reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or similar elements throughout the several figures of the drawings and wherein:

[0046] FIG. 1 is a wireframe, perspective view of a protective enclosure of the present invention in a closed orientation.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a wireframe perspective view of the protective enclosure of FIG. 1 showing an open configuration.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a front view of another rectangular embodiment of the present invention in a closed confirmation.

[0051] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in an open confirmation.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a closed confirmation.

[0053] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in an open confirmation.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 a closed confirmation.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in an open confirmation.

[0056] However, it should be understood that the above described figures are not intended to be limited to only the invention illustrated and to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is intended to disclose all modifications, alternatives and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined within the claim's broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the specification. To wit, variations in height, length, width made be accomplished as to accommodate variances in sizes and shapes of bars of soap, conditioner and/or shaving bars as may be necessary or required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is disclosed and described below. Yet, each and every possible feature, within the limits of the specification, are not disclosed as various iterations are postulated to be in the purview and contemplation of those having skill in the art. It is therefore possible for those that have requisite skill in the art to make and practice the disclosed invention while observing that certain features and spatial arrangements are relative and capable of being scaled, adapted, arranged at various points about the present invention (by inventor, manufacturer or both) that nonetheless accomplishes the remediation of one or more of the infirmities as outlined and discussed above in the field of bar soap storage, encasement, securement, transport, design and use. As well, individual components of the present invention may be sized (i.e. enlarged or shrunken) so long as the proportions are maintained that allow for maintaining of esthetic appearance and proper functioning of the present invention that may be sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the inserted bar soap.

[0058] Equally, it should be observed that the present invention can be understood, in terms of structure, function, or both, from the present disclosure as well as those appended claims taken in context with the associated drawings. And whereas the present invention and method of use are capable of several different embodiments and permutations, which can be modified into several different configurations, each exhibiting accompanying interchangeable functionalities, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application as shown and described.

[0059] As detailed in FIG. 1, the present invention that is a protective enclosure 10 for a bar of soap, which is presented in a closed confirmation, wherein top enclosure 15 is reversibly connected to a base 20 via the mating of mirrored and reciprocating features (protrusions 25 and recesses 30). The top enclosure itself consists of a top surface 35 in connection with four (4) side surfaces 40, themselves extending downward and away from said top surface 35 and positioned substantially orthogonally (in a perpendicular plane to the top surface plane). Substantially orthogonally, as it pertains to the present invention and positioning, is defined as being largely perpendicular and within ten degrees of a right angle created at the juncture between top surface 35 in connection with four (4) side surfaces 40. Additionally, as may be seen in FIG. 1, the base 20 also evidences on its superior surface one to a plurality of securing mechanisms 50, perpendicular to said superior surface of base 20, which may be posts, pylons, pillars, shafts pickets or supports for the affixing of a bar of soap (not shown). Too, FIG. 1 exhibits a centrally disposed drain 55 or the drainage of excess water (from the placed and positioned bar of soap and/or ambient water supplied as a result of the soap's use remaining within protective enclosure 10. The enclosure is further facilitated by adherence facilitating mechanisms to facilitate proper alignment and reversable securement which may include, but are not limited to beveled surfaces, tongue and groove (reciprocating) surfaces, snaps, or adherence facilitators (i.e., magnetically charged surfaces 60).

[0060] As depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 8, magnetically charged structures 60 may consist of sets of reciprocally polarized surfaces (e.g., north and south poles or magnetic and metal surfaces or structures) which exhibit attraction to one another and may assist in maintain a closed conformation. The confirmation may then be reversibly changed (from open to closed) through the application of force greater than the forces of magnetic attraction between magnetic structures and metal. The result of this application of force is evidenced by the separation of top enclosure 15 from base 20 in FIG. 2 wherein corresponding magnetically charged structures 60a may be like charged (i.e., both exhibiting magnetically charged structures) or unequally charged (i.e., a charged structure and a metallic structure). Likewise, magnetically charged structures 60b may exhibit like polarization or oppositely charged (e.g., magnetically charged and metallic surfaces), but wherein each of magnetically charged structures 60a and 60b are oppositely charged and made to face a metallic surface which are exhibited as mated pairs. What is more, side surfaces 40 are further subdivided into side surfaces 40a and 40b. Side surfaces 40a are diametrically opposing to one another and exhibit a relative horizontal uniformity between those edges forming a connection with the top surface 35, superiorly at top edge 41, and bottom edge 42, inferiorly. In opposite, side surfaces 40b evidence a horizontal surface, superiorly, at top edge 43 (similar to top surface 41) and a lip or protrusion 45 inferiorly at side surface 40b. This protrusion 45 is designed to mate with recesses 70 on base 20, align magnetically charged surfaces with metallic surfaces (structures 60a and 60b) and facilitate enhanced adhesion of top enclosure 15 reversibly to base 20. Magnetically charged surfaces 60a are inserted within protrusion 45 of top enclosure 15 and centrally located (at a point equidistant for either enclosure corner) while metallic surfaces 60b are retained within the lower lip 63 created within the outer edge of base 20. Yet, this configuration may consist of metallic structures 60a and magnetically charged structures 60b or alternating magnetically charged structures 60 with metallic structures 60.

[0061] Moreover, it is contemplated by inventor to incorporate one or more closure mechanisms (described also above), which may be utilized together with or in lieu of magnetically charged structures, as to provide facilitated closure and securement. These mechanisms may consist of one or more interlocking, lipped, tongue and groove and/or beveled surfaces.

[0062] As is shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, base 20 itself exhibits a largely uniform (raised) surface 65 which is made to correspond with surface 42 of top component 15. This mating of surfaces 42 and 65 create a flush and level communication whereby top component 65 is made to rest atop surface 42. However, it should be noted that, if the invention is inverted (e.g., rotated 180 degrees), the same relationship would exist between surfaces 65 and 42 and wherein surface 42 may be seen to rest atop surface 65.

[0063] FIG. 3 provides a superior, top view of the present invention wherein words, logos, insignias, symbols, images, or other like impressions, may be embossed or inserted into the materials utilized for the present invention's construction. As is illustrated, the edges of top surface 35 may be beveled (shown), curved, or presenting a sharp edge. It is further contemplated by inventor that top enclosure surface 35 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may have one to a plurality of openings, holes or vents, evenly or unevenly placed, as to facilitate air flow and drying.

[0064] In FIG. 4 the base 20, as shown in an inferior view, has provided therethrough a drain 55 and wherein said edges may likewise be beveled (shown), curved, or provided with a sharp edge. Moreover, as depicted, drain 55 is centrally located and appears as a single drain. However, it is contemplated that drain 55 may be provided in multiplicity, uniformly, offset and of various and variable sizes as to allow for proper drainage.

[0065] FIGS. 5-10 represent another preferred embodiment for a largely rectangular protective enclosure wherein length 85 (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9) is greater than width 80 (illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9). Further, as is contrasted between FIGS. 6 and 8 and FIG. 10, magnetically charged structures 60a and 60b in FIG. 8 are angular (rectangular) and utilize one magnetically charged pair of structures 60, centrally located, at either end of the interface between mirrored and reciprocating features (protrusions 25 and recesses 30) for reversable adhesion with 4 (four) total structures. In opposite, FIGS. 8 and 10 display cylindrical magnetically charged structures and metallic structures 60, defined further as upper magnetically charged structures 60a and lower magnetically charged structures 60b, metallic structures 60a and 60b, or a combination thereof, appearing in duplicate pairs (two structures on either side and reciprocal structures also appearing in duplicate for a total of 8 such total structures) whereby north and south poles may be in the same tandem set (i.e., magnetically charged structures 60a consisting of charged structure/charged structure and structures 60b consisting of metallic structures/metallic structures) or where each tandem set may exhibit opposite polar confirmations (e.g., magnetically charged structures 60a, 60b and metallic structures 60b, 60a) and positioned at a distance 75 on base 20 mirrored on the underside 90 of top enclosure 15. Similar to the insertion depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, each magnetically charged structure or metallic structure is embedded into protrusion 45 of top enclosure 15 and lip 63 of base 20 through an injection molding process which creates a tight seal surrounding each magnetically charged structure.

[0066] Yet, use of pairs of magnetically charged structures/metallic structures 60, which are cylindrical and are presented in duplicate, creates two advantages when compared with square or rectangular magnetically charged structures: (1) the cylindrical shape ensures equal and uniform holding pressure about the structures outer surface, thereby enhancing static grip, and (2) the dual structures provide a two-fold increase in adherence forces. What is more, magnetic structures/metallic structures 60 appearing in mated pairs distributes adhesive forces over a larger area and allows for functionality even where one of the pairs may be occluded by accumulation of soap.

[0067] Although only a select few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.