Shower Scrubbing Device

Abstract

A shower scrubbing device is disclosed for assisting users with personal hygiene. The shower scrubbing device comprises a body component that is configured in a semi-circular shape that has a front curved surface with a loofah area and a rear flat surface with a plurality of suction cups to retain the device to a shower wall for use. The user may apply soap to the loofah before turning around to scrub their back while the device is attached to the wall. Further, the body component provides the user with toiletry and towel storage, as well as access to a mirror. The interior of the body component also comprises pockets of nylon mesh and hard plastic shelving to hold the toiletries. People can utilize the device as needed for scrubbing their back and accessing multiple other toiletry and shower items while bathing.

Claims

1. A shower scrubbing device that assists a user with personal hygiene, the shower scrubbing device comprising: a body component; wherein the body component comprises a front loofah surface and a rear surface that adheres to a shower wall for use; wherein users apply soap to the front loofah surface before turning around to scrub their back while the body component is attached to the shower wall; and further wherein the body component has an interior cavity which can store a plurality of toiletries for use while showering.

2. The shower scrubbing device of claim 1, wherein the front loofah surface is configured in a semi-circular shape that is curved.

3. The shower scrubbing device of claim 2, wherein the rear surface is flat and has a plurality of suction cups to retain the body component to the shower wall for use.

4. The shower scrubbing device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of suction cups are composed of a waterproof material.

5. The shower scrubbing device of claim 4, wherein the front loofah surface comprises a loofah sheet fastening mechanism which allows a user to affix a temporary loofah sheet to the body component for use.

6. The shower scrubbing device of claim 5, wherein the loofah sheet fastening mechanism is Velcro and the temporary loofah sheet can be removed and replaced, as needed via the Velcro.

7. The shower scrubbing device of claim 6, wherein the front loofah surface and the rear surface are connected at a side edge via a hinge, which allow the front loofah surface and the rear surface to pivot open, revealing an interior cavity for storing multiple toiletries and shower items while bathing.

8. The shower scrubbing device of claim 7, wherein the interior cavity comprises a plurality of pockets for holding toiletries.

9. The shower scrubbing device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of pockets are mesh.

10. The shower scrubbing device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pockets are mounted to a hard plastic component, which is secured to the interior cavity via a hinge, which allows the hard plastic component to pivot up and lay flat with the interior cavity, exposing the plurality of pockets for use, or fold down to form a shelf for more storage.

11. The shower scrubbing device of claim 10, wherein the interior cavity comprises at least one towel hook.

12. The shower scrubbing device of claim 11, wherein the interior cavity comprises at least one mirror.

13. The shower scrubbing device of claim 12, wherein the body component comprises door latches to hold the front loofah surface and the rear surface together.

14. A shower scrubbing device that assists a user with personal hygiene, the shower scrubbing device comprising: a body component comprising a front loofah surface and a rear surface that adheres to a shower wall for use; wherein the front loofah surface is configured in a semi-circular shape that is curved; wherein the rear surface is flat and has a plurality of suction cups to retain the body component to the shower wall for use; wherein the front loofah surface comprises a loofah sheet fastening mechanism which allows a user to affix a temporary loofah sheet to the body component for use; wherein the front loofah surface and the rear surface are connected at a side edge via a hinge, which allow the front loofah surface and the rear surface to pivot open, revealing an interior cavity for storing multiple toiletries and shower items while showering; wherein the interior cavity comprises a plurality of mesh pockets for holding toiletries; wherein the plurality of mesh pockets are mounted to a hard plastic component which is secured to the interior cavity via a hinge, which allows the hard plastic component to fold down to form a shelf for more storage; wherein the interior cavity comprises at least one towel hook and at least one mirror; wherein the body component comprises door latches to hold the front loofah surface and the rear surface together; and further wherein users apply soap to the front loofah surface before turning around to scrub their back while the body component is attached to the shower wall.

15. The shower scrubbing device of claim 14, wherein at least one mirror is formed of reflective, light-weight, flexible material and is a steam-resistant or fogless mirror.

16. The shower scrubbing device of claim 14, wherein the body component comprises a nylon strap that is secured to a top edge for ease in transport.

17. The shower scrubbing device of claim 14, wherein the interior cavity comprises a lighting component.

18. The shower scrubbing device of claim 14, wherein the body component comprises a strap for hanging the body component on a shower head instead of using the plurality of suction cups.

19. The shower scrubbing device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of assisting a user with personal hygiene, the method comprising the following steps: providing a shower scrubbing device comprising a body component with a loofah area and a plurality of suction cups and an interior for storing toiletries; securing the device to a shower wall via the plurality of suction cups; utilizing the loofah side of the device to exfoliate difficult to reach areas of the user's body; opening the interior of the device to access toiletries; and utilizing the toiletries within the interior of the device to shower and clean.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0036] FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the shower scrubbing device of the present invention showing the front and rear views of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the shower scrubbing device of the present invention showing the interior of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the shower scrubbing device of the present invention showing how the pouches fold down to reveal the shelf in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the shower scrubbing device of the present invention showing a user using the loofah side of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the shower scrubbing device of the present invention in use in a shower in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of assisting a user with personal hygiene in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0042] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0043] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shower scrubbing device that provides users with a means for assisting with personal hygiene when bathing. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a shower scrubbing device that features a loofah scrubbing side on the front and suction cups on the back, such that users can mount the device to a wall in their shower with the suction cups to easily access the loofah and the device's interior. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shower scrubbing device that allows the device to open via a hinge, revealing an internal storage area with a mirror and pouches that can fold down and double as a shelf. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that enables users to store and access different toiletry items while in the shower, ensuring their soap, shampoo, razors, and other items remain easily accessible for bathing. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shower scrubbing device that offers a way to maximize cleanliness in the shower without having to put oneself in awkward and uncomfortable positions. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shower scrubbing device that comprises a nylon strap for transportation.

[0044] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel shower scrubbing device. The device is used for assisting users with personal hygiene. The shower scrubbing device comprises a body component that is configured in a semi-circular shape that has a front curved surface with a loofah area and a rear flat surface with a plurality of suction cups to retain the device to a shower wall for use. Further, the body component provides the user with toiletry and towel storage, as well as access to a mirror. The interior of the body component also comprises pockets of nylon mesh and hard plastic shelving to hold the toiletries. The present invention also includes a novel method of assisting a user with personal hygiene. The method includes the steps of providing a shower scrubbing device comprising a body component with a loofah area and a plurality of suction cups and an interior for storing toiletries. The method also comprises securing the device to a shower wall via the plurality of suction cups. Further, the method comprises utilizing the loofah side of the device to exfoliate difficult to reach areas of the user's body. The method also comprises opening the interior of the device to access toiletries. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the toiletries within the interior of the device to shower and clean.

[0045] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the shower scrubbing device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the shower scrubbing device 100 is an improved shower scrubbing device 100 that provides a user 110 with a device 100 for assisting users 110 with personal hygiene. Specifically, the shower scrubbing device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a front loofah surface 104 and a rear surface 106 that adheres to a shower wall 108. The user 110 may apply soap to the loofah surface 104 before turning around to scrub their back while the device 100 is attached to the wall 108. Further, the body component 102 provides the user 110 with toiletry 112 and towel 114 storage, as well as access to a mirror 116. Users 110 can utilize the device 100 as needed for scrubbing their back 118 and accessing multiple toiletry and shower items 112 while bathing.

[0046] Generally, the shower scrubbing device 100 provides a device for self-cleaning of a user's back 118 and other hard-to-reach areas. In embodiments, the device 100 comprises a body component 102 affixed to a shower wall 108 via one or more suction cups 120. The body component 102 includes a fastening mechanism 122 that allows fastening of a loofah sheet 124 to the body component 102. The body component 102 is in a form with a concavity that contours to a human back 118. Water and/or liquid soap may be applied to the loofah sheet 124. The user 110 can then walk backwards in the shower as to contact his/her back 118 to the loofah sheet 124 that is affixed to the shower wall 108 and move his/her back 118 relative to the loofah sheet 124, thereby washing the back 118 of the user 110. Thus, disclosed embodiments allow a user 110 to effectively clean his/her own back 118, thereby improving skin health in heretofore hard-to-reach areas.

[0047] Furthermore, the shower scrubbing device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured in a semi-circular shape that has a front curved surface 104 with a loofah area 124 and a rear flat surface 106 with a plurality of suction cups 120 to retain the device 100 to a shower wall 108 for use. The body component 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, but typically tends to exhibit a curved shape, so as to be ergonomically shaped for use on a user's back 118 and other hard-to-reach areas. Further, the body component 102 comprises the front curved surface 104, the rear flat surface 106, opposing side edges 126, and opposing top and bottom edges 128.

[0048] Additionally, the plurality of suction cups 120 secure the device 100 to a shower wall 108, or other flat vertical surface, and generally may function to inhibit tilting of the device 100 during use. The suction cups 120 are composed of a waterproof material, which may include any of a variety of different elastomeric materials, which are known in the art. The suction cups 120 may be attached to the device 100 in other positions and via other mechanical means as is known in the art. The device 100 can include any number of additional suction cups 120. Additionally, any suitable number of suction cups 120 can be utilized as is known in the art. Further, the suction cups 120 are secured to the rear flat surface 106 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as adhesives, glue, screws, bolts, etc. To use, the shower scrubbing device 100 is pressed against a shower wall 108, causing the plurality of suction cups 120 to affix the device 100 to a shower wall 108. When the user 110 is finished using the shower scrubbing device 100, and wishes to remove it from the shower wall 108, a user 110 inserts a finger to break the seal of each suction cup 120, enabling an easy removal of the device 100 when no longer in use.

[0049] Furthermore, the front curved surface 104 comprises a permanently affixed loofah sheet 124, for use. In another embodiment, the front curved surface 104 comprises a loofah sheet fastening mechanism 122 which allows a user 110 to affix a temporary loofah sheet 124 to the body component 102 for use. The loofah sheet fastening mechanism 122 can be a hook-and-loop fastener material, such as Velcro, snaps, adhesive, etc. This allows convenient attaching and removing of a loofah sheet 124, as needed. The loofah sheet 124 can be easily removed from the loofah holder (i.e., front surface 104) for replacing and/or cleaning. Additionally, multiple users 110 can use embodiments of the present invention, where each user 110 may have his/her own loofah sheet 124. Each user 110 attaches his/her loofah sheet 124 to the loofah holder 104 for use. In this way, sanitary conditions are preserved amongst multiple users 110.

[0050] In one embodiment, the loofah sheet 124 includes a plurality of raised sections or individual loofah pads that are stitched together. Further, the loofah sheet 124 can be made from brush bristles or other suitable materials. In another embodiment, the loofah sheet 124 may include a textile portion. The textile portion can include, but is not limited to, cotton, nylon, and/or polyester. In some embodiments, the loofah sheet 124 may be comprised of natural material, such as dried-out tropical or subtropical gourd belonging to the genus Luffa (such as species L. aegyptiaca or L. acutangula). In other embodiments, the loofah sheet 124 may be comprised of a synthetic material such as nylon. A main purpose of the loofah sheet 124 is to provide an exfoliation effect for the skin. Yet another use for the loofah sheet 124 is to ensure a complete back wash, as opposed to only cleaning a limited area of the back 118 due to not being able to reach over one's shoulders. Disclosed embodiments provide improved back washing for the elderly, disabled, and those with shoulder pain. Thus, a wide variety of exfoliant materials may be utilized for the loofah sheet 124 in embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the body component 102 is split into two halves, with the front curved surface 104 connected at a side edge 126 with the rear flat surface 106. The two halves 104, 106 are connected via hinges 200, which allow the two halves 104, 106 to pivot open, revealing an interior cavity 202 for storing multiple toiletries and shower items 112, while bathing. Specifically, the interior cavity 202 can comprise toiletry 112 and towel 114 storage, as well as access to a mirror 116. Thus, the interior cavity 202 enables users 110 to store and access different toiletry items 112 while in the shower, ensuring their soap, shampoo, razors, and other items remain easily accessible for bathing.

[0052] Further, the interior cavity 202 can comprise a plurality of pouches or pockets 204 for holding toiletries and shower items 112. The plurality of pockets 204 are secured to the interior cavity 202 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as glue, adhesives, staples, etc. Any suitable number of pockets 204 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 110. The plurality of pockets 204 can be comprised of a nylon mesh, netting, or other suitable waterproof and quick dry materials. Further, the plurality of pockets 204 can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art and some pockets 204 can be larger than others, etc. The mesh pockets 204 function to store and retain items within the interior cavity 202. The mesh fabric material allows a user 110 to visually check quickly to determine if a particular item is within the interior cavity 202, and aids in water drainage and reduced drying time. The pockets 204 are preferably flexible and resilient so that items may be easily inserted through an opening and held within the pocket 204, and conversely easily taken out of the pocket 204 through the opening.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mesh pockets 204 may be constructed in several manners such as, but not limited to, a permanent mesh type material for holding products, a detachable mesh, or, net type material, a permanent vinyl, or, flexible plastic, a rigid, or stiff, yet, pliable and retractable plastic and any other type of compartmental type of holding apparatus known in the art. In one embodiment, one or more of the pockets 204 are scalable via a magnetic closure. In one embodiment, at least one pocket 204 is provided having waterproof sealing and made of transparent material for enclosure of a mobile device (not shown), such as a cell phone. In this way, a user 110 may use the mobile device by viewing through the pocket 204. In one embodiment, a water-resistant or waterproof speaker (not shown) may be attached for selective communication with a mobile device. In this way, a user 110 may keep the mobile device out of the water, while still directing music or other audio to a user 110 in proximity to the wet environment, i.e., shower.

[0054] Further, the pockets 204 can be mounted to a hard plastic component 206 then secured to the interior cavity 202. The hard plastic component 206 is secured to the interior cavity 202 via a hinge 208 which allows the hard plastic component 206 to pivot up and lay flat with the interior cavity 202, exposing the pockets 204 for use, or fold down to form a shelf for more storage. Thus, the pockets 204 secure toiletries 112 within and double as a shelf, as needed.

[0055] In one embodiment, the opposing side of the interior cavity 202 comprises at least one towel or washcloth hook 210, allowing users 110 to hang their towel 114 or washcloth, as needed.

[0056] In another embodiment, the opposing side of the interior cavity 202 also comprises at least one mirror 116. The mirror 116 is intended to be steam-resistant, so a user 110 can use it while showering. Thus, users 110 can shave and groom themselves with the mirror 116, while showering. The mirror 116 is formed of reflective, light-weight, flexible material. In one embodiment, the mirror 116 is a steam-resistant or fogless mirror. The mirror 116 may be stitched or otherwise adhered to the interior cavity 202.

[0057] Further, the body component 102 preferably includes a closure mechanism 212 which may be door latches, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener system, snaps, buttons, etc., or another suitable closure mechanism as is known in the art. Preferably, the body component 102 comprises a door latch 212 for securing the two halves 104, 106 together. The door latch 212 is typically made of a strong, waterproof material.

[0058] In one embodiment, the body component 102 comprises a nylon strap 214 that is secure to the top edge 128 or one of the opposing side edges 126. The nylon strap 214 allows a user 110 to easily carry and transport the device 100, as needed.

[0059] In another embodiment, the interior cavity 202 comprises a lighting component 216. The lighting component 216 may be a strip of LED lights, which may be adhered to the interior cavity 202 using a silicon adhesive. The lights 216 are formed within a waterproof or water-resistant housing.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, prior to using the shower scrubbing device 100, the loofah sheet 124 may be treated with water from a shower head to moisten the loofah sheet 124 attached to the front curved surface 104. Additionally, liquid soap may be applied to the loofah sheet 124, or soap from a spray bottle can be applied to the loofah sheet 124. Once treated, the device 100 is now ready to be used by a user 110 to enable self-cleaning of his/her own back 118. Thus, the user 110 may apply soap to the loofah 124 before turning around to scrub their back 118 while the device 100 is attached to the wall 108.

[0061] Generally, the shower scrubbing device 100 comprises a variety of sizes to accommodate small and large body sizes. Further, embodiments may be fabricated from a variety of materials, and a variety of fabrication techniques may be used, as is known in the art.

[0062] Furthermore, a user 110 utilizes the device 100 by pressing their back 118 against the loofah sheet 124 on the device 100, which is affixed to the wall 108 of a shower stall. Further, to install the shower scrubbing device 100, the user 110 may position the device 100 against her back 118 and lean back against a wall 108. This causes the device 100 to stay in place against the wall 108 at an appropriate height for that user 110. The user 110 then treats the attached loofah sheet 124 with water and/or soap. The user 110 can then move her back 118 side-to-side and/or up and down against the loofah sheet 124 to thoroughly and efficiently exfoliate her back 118. This can serve to improve skin conditions such as acne, as well as provide a clean feeling to one's back 118.

[0063] Accordingly, the shower scrubbing device 100 provides a simple, yet effective solution that changes the way people 110 wash their backs 118. Simply stated, many people 110 do not completely wash their backs 118 because they cannot reach the entire back area. With the disclosed embodiments, washing one's back 118 is now simple and effortless. This allows the user 110 to feel clean and refreshed while washing the oily pores and exfoliating the dead skin that has built up over time. Additionally, for people 110 with shoulder pain, who may have trouble reaching their backs 118, disclosed embodiments provide a solution that requires little shoulder movement to enable effective cleaning of the back 118. Accordingly, the device 100 offers a way to maximize cleanliness in the shower without having to put oneself in awkward and uncomfortable positions.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the body component 102 comprises a cord or strap 502 for hanging the device 100 on a shower head instead of using the suction cups 120. The strap 502 can be attached to the top edge 128 of the body component 102 and is long enough to still allow a user 110 to loofah their back 118 with the device 100. In one embodiment, the strap 502 is adjustable in length.

[0065] In one embodiment, the body component 102 is manufactured of plastic, polymers, fiberglass, stainless steel, etc., or a woven fabric material which can be treated with a UV-resistant and water-repellent coating. The fabric material may be formed from canvas, nylon, polyester, or polyvinyl chloride. The device 100 may be any size, but in one embodiment is sized and adapted to accommodate travel and/or regular-sized toiletry 112 and grooming items.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, the shower scrubbing device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be shower, loofah, or brand related.

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of assisting a user with personal hygiene. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a shower scrubbing device comprising a body component with a loofah area and a plurality of suction cups, and an interior for storing toiletries. The method also comprises at 602, securing the device to a shower wall via the plurality of suction cups. Further, the method comprises at 604, utilizing the loofah side of the device to exfoliate difficult to reach areas of the user's body. The method also comprises at 606, opening the interior of the device to access toiletries. Finally, the method comprises at 608, utilizing the toiletries within the interior of the device to shower and clean.

[0068] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein shower scrubbing device, shower device, scrubbing device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the shower scrubbing device 100 of the present invention.

[0069] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the shower scrubbing device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower scrubbing device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the shower scrubbing device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the shower scrubbing device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the shower scrubbing device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0070] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0071] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.