Abstract:
An apparatus comprises a clamp head comprising a handle member, a spring handle clamp being removably joined to the handle member, and a first coupler being removably joined to the handle member. The spring handle clamp comprises a coil base being configured to slide over the handle member and two clamp handles extending outwardly from the coil base. Each of the clamp handles terminates in a clamp head. The clamp heads are interlocked and configured for holding a cleaning item in a normally closed position with the clamp heads moved to an open position by squeezing the two clamp handles together. A utility handle comprises a second coupler being removably joined to the first coupler, and a contoured grip, in which the apparatus may be assembled by a user for holding the cleaning item to clean their posterior and subsequently disassembled for cleaning and transportation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/384,983, entitled “A spring squeeze clamp on an adjustable length handle to clean your bottom”, filed on Sep. 21, 2010 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0004]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to personal hygiene products. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable device that aids in cleaning areas of the body that may be difficult to reach. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. As a result of incidents such as, but not limited to injury, operations, medical procedures, age, illness, size, or mobility problems, some individuals cannot effectively clean their posteriors without the assistance of others. This problem may result in frustration, anger, and poor hygiene. It may also be difficult for these individuals to go to the bathroom in other homes, businesses, at work, and, in many cases, without the assistance of others even in their own home. By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that some cleaning tools to assist in cleaning one&#39;s posterior exist. It is believed that these tools are often flimsy and/or cumbersome to use. In addition, the tissue or wipe holding apparatuses in some of these currently available tools may not be user friendly. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1A through 1C  illustrate an exemplary personal cleaning device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the device separated into three sections, and  FIG. 1C  is an exploded view; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an exemplary spring handle clamp for a personal cleaning device in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic front view, and  FIG. 2B  is a side perspective view; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of an exemplary personal cleaning device separated into three sections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0012]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0014]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0015]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0016]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0017]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0018]    Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0019]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. 
         [0020]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0021]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0022]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0023]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a spring squeeze clamp on an adjustable length handle to aid in cleaning one&#39;s posterior. Many preferred embodiments may be used by individuals who, because of an injury, operation, age, size, or any other mobility problem, cannot effectively clean their posterior without the assistance of others. Many preferred embodiments help individuals to very effectively clean their posterior or apply salve or ointment without assistance from others, generally leaving them fresh, clean and confident. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1A through 1C  illustrate an exemplary personal cleaning device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the device separated into three sections, and  FIG. 1C  is an exploded view. In the present embodiment, the personal cleaning device is designed to be durable, strong, and effective. Referring to  FIG. 1B , the device comprises three functional sections that screw together to make a lightweight instrument to enable individuals with reaching problems to clean their posteriors without assistance. These sections are a clamp head  101 , an extension  103  and a utility handle  105 . Some alternate embodiments may be implemented with more or fewer sections. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented as a single piece. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1A  in the present embodiment, when the three sections are screwed together, the device is approximately 20-22 inches long. In some alternate embodiments, devices may be made in longer or shorter variations. Clamp head  101  is designed to make the unassisted cleaning of one&#39;s posterior a satisfying and confident experience. Referring to the Figures in the present embodiment, clamp head  101  comprises seven (7) removable parts that can be taken apart to be cleaned with soap and water or for replacement. The front end of the device is a ½-inch schedule-40 (hereafter referred to as sch-40) white plastic polyvinylchloride (hereafter referred to as PVC) female threaded cap  107  that screws onto a ½-inch by 1¾-inch all-thread axis nipple  109 . Next, a ½-inch by ⅞-inch rubber washer  111 , or an o-ring, is slid onto threaded axis nipple  109  tightly against PVC cap  107  followed by a spring handle clamp  113  that is made of 0.102 to 0.135 spring tempered stainless steel wire with a ⅞-inch diameter and a 3 to 4 wrap coil base that slides firmly against rubber washer  111 . From the wire coil on the axis two wire handles rise upward approximately four (4) inches and are bent toward each other with a 1-inch radius for 1¼-inches. Triangle heads are bent with ½-inch radius corners providing a flat top surface of 2 and ¾-inches, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The triangle heads interlock to form a strong clamp that opens when the spring handles are squeezed. A soft rubber or plastic covering  115  is placed on the triangle heads to generally ensure a firm grip and comfort. In some alternate embodiments, the heads of the clamp can be coated with any number of different rubbers, plastic or any other possible gripping material to hold tissue and cleaning wipes securely or may be implemented without a coating. Also, clamp heads may be mounted in any number of different angles to accomplish a more desirable cleaning experience. In the present embodiment, another ½-inch by ⅞-inch rubber washer  117 , or o-ring, is then slid onto axis nipple  109  behind spring handle clamp  113  and an all-thread female sch-40 PVC coupling  119  screws onto axis nipple  109  tightly. Rubber washers  111  and  117  generally prevent clamp  113  from spinning on axis nipple  109  when in use. In the present embodiment, clamp head  101  may range in length from 2 to 6 inches, with 3 and ½-inches being a non-limiting example of a suitable length. 
         [0026]    Extension  103  provides additional length to the device which may be needed in some cases to help a user clean completely and confidently. Extension  103  may be optional in some situations, for example, without limitation, if the user is small or has more adequate flexibility in movement. In the present embodiment, extension  103  comprises three (3) parts, to be located between clamp head  101  and utility handle  105 . Extension  103  comprises a ½-inch, sch-40 white PVC male adapter  121  that is 1 and ½-inches long with a ⅝-inch threaded end opposite a ⅞-inch slip-in fitting glued to a section of ½-inch sch-40 white PVC plastic pipe  123  that can range from 4 to 10 inches in length, with 5 and ½ inches being a non-limiting example of a suitable length. At the end of pipe  123  a ½-inch sch-40 white PVC plastic female coupling  125  with a slip-in fitting on one end is glued to pipe  123  opposite male adaptor  121 . Extension  103  can be placed between clamp head  101  and utility handle  105  when extra length is needed. 
         [0027]    Handle  105  comprises four (4) parts. The first is a ½-inch sch-40 white PVC plastic male adapter  127  that is 1 and ½-inches long with a ⅝-inch male threaded end opposite a ⅞-inch slip-in fitting that glues to a section of ½-inch sch-40 white PVC plastic pipe  129  that can range in length from 6 to 20 inches, with 9 and ½ inches being a non-limiting example of a suitable length. Next a 4 and ½ inch to 5-inch foam or rubber contoured grip  131  is slipped onto the opposite end of pipe  129  from male adapter  127  and glued in place ¾-inch from that end of pipe  129  to allow space for a ½-inch slip-in sch-40 white plastic cap  133 , which is also glued in place. Contoured grip  131  typically provides comfort and enhanced control of the cleaning process. In some alternate embodiments the handle can be constructed of various different materials such as, but not limited to, wood, aluminum, extruded plastic, other colors of PVC pipe, etc. White ½-inch PVC is used in the present embodiment because it has a clean appearance, is easy to clean, and matches most decors. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may comprise grips made of various different materials including, without limitation, plastic and silicone, and other alternate embodiments may be implemented without a grip. The total length of handle  105  can range from 6 to 24 inches, with 11 inches being a non-limiting example of a suitable length. 
         [0028]    In the present embodiment, the three main sections are designed to be lightweight, quickly assembled and disassembled, and easy to transport. Utility handle  105  can be directly attached to clamp head  101  by screwing male adaptor  127  into female coupling  119 . In this configuration, the length of the device can range from 12 to 18 inches. When additional length is needed, male fitting  121  of extension  103  may be screwed firmly into female coupling  119 . Male adaptor  127  of utility handle  105  is then screwed firmly into female coupling  125  of extension  103 , providing additional length to aid in the cleaning experience. The total length of the device with extension  103  can range from 16 to 30 inches, with 20 to 22 inches being a non-limiting example of a suitable length. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented with a telescoping handle to provide additional length rather than an attachable extension. In other alternate embodiments the extension itself may be capable of telescoping in order to provide a wider range of adjustability. In some alternate embodiments, the size and length of the various elements may vary to allow for different applications. For example, without limitation, in one alternate embodiment, the cleaning device can be designed with a smaller diameter material and a smaller scale clamp to enable it to fit into a pocket or purse for convenience. For this alternate embodiment, the size of each element is proportionately scaled down to maintain the same functionality and strength. In the present embodiment, the cleaning device is made of sch-40 PVC ½-inch plastic pipe and therefore is strong, lightweight and easy to clean. However, the handle and body of cleaning devices in some alternate embodiments may be constructed of various different materials including, without limitation, wood, aluminum, extruded plastic, fiberglass, and other plastics and metals. Additionally, in some alternate embodiments, the sections may attach with spring lever lock buttons, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 3 . In other alternate embodiments, the sections may be designed with a multiplicity of suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, locking cog joints, swivel taper locking connections, by-pass wing-nut tightening connections, setscrew connections and other possible variations to open, close or lock a joint. Furthermore, in some alternate embodiments some or all of the elements may be formed as larger pieces or as a single piece rather than a multiplicity of tubes and fittings. For example, without limitation, in one alternate embodiment, the handle may be formed from a single piece of plastic with a threaded end that may be attached to the clamp head or the extension. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an exemplary spring handle clamp for a personal cleaning device in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic front view, and  FIG. 2B  is a side perspective view. In the present embodiment, the clamp is designed to firmly hold tissue, wipes, wash cloths, or any other cleaning material, so the cleaning experience can be exacting and complete. The soiled tissue or wipe is then easily released with a squeeze of the spring clamp. The firm connection to the clamp head and the rigid strength of the clamp and the utility handle allows a user to apply the necessary pressure to the area to be cleaned to give exceptional results. The spring handle clamp is made of 0.102 to 0.135 spring tempered stainless steel wire with a ⅞-inch diameter with a 3 to 4 wrap coil base  201 . From coil base  201 , two wire handles  203  rise upward approximately four (4) inches and are bent toward each other with a 1-inch radius for 1¼-inches. Triangle heads  205  are bent with ½-inch radius corners providing a flat top surface of 2 and ¾-inches. When the clamp is in a closed position, handles  203  are crossed, which enables triangle heads  205  to interlock and form a strong clamp that opens when handles  203  are squeezed. When closed, triangle heads  205  that hold the tissue or wipes are narrow, allowing heads  205  to get up tightly into the area to be cleaned for a more complete cleaning experience. In some embodiments, the heads may comprise a ribbed rubber coating or other type of coating that holds the tissue or wipes firmly, generally preventing them from slipping, tearing, or falling out when in use. The spring clamp also has a soft springing action that allows for a gentle, comfortable cleaning. The clamp is waterproof and strong enough to hold a washcloth or sponge to be used in the bath or shower for one who is encumbered in bending and reaching. 
         [0030]    In some alternate embodiments, the use of greater or smaller diameters of spring wire to form the spring clamp would enable the clamp to squeeze with less gripping power or more gripping power depending on the application. In some alternate embodiments, the spring clamp may be designed shorter or to a smaller or larger scale to fit varying applications. Adjustment screws and buttons can be adapted into the spring clamp in some alternate embodiments to change the tension and/or tensile strength of the clamp. In some alternate embodiments, the heads of the clamp can also be different lengths, sizes and shapes. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A through 2B , in typical use of the present embodiment, the personal cleaning device is simple to assemble and simple to use. First a user screws handle  105  onto clamp head  101 , or, if the user needs additional length, the user may screw extension  103  into clamp head  101  and screw utility handle  105  onto extension  103  for maximum reach. Then, the user retrieves a normal amount of tissue or a cleansing wipe and folds it in half with the folded portion down and squeezes wire handles  203  of spring clamp  113  together, opening clamp heads  205 , and places the folded portion slightly into clamp  113  between heads  205 . Releasing handles  203  brings heads  205  together to hold the tissue or wipe in place. The user then pushes down on the tissue or wipe that is extending up so that each portion of the tissue or wipe is draped over heads  205  of clamp  113 . The user then reaches the device back between his legs and slides it through the area to be cleaned. Clamp  113  rises six (6) inches above the axis of clamp head  101 , allowing handle  105  to be well away from the area to be cleaned. The user then pulls the device out in front while turning clamp  113  down and squeezes wire clamp handles  203  to release the soiled tissue or wipe into the commode. The quick release of clamp  113  that holds the tissue or wipe securely provides easy discharge of soiled materials without touching, while other currently available products are cumbersome to use and often provide unsatisfactory cleaning results. The user may repeat these steps as needed, and if desired the user may follow with flushable wipes set in clamp  113  just like the tissue. The device is rigidly strong, enabling the user to make firm passing wipes to get himself clean with virtually no worry about residue. If the user desires, he may put some petroleum jelly or other ointment on a tissue and in the same manner apply it to the area that has just been cleaned. After use, the device can be easily dismantled into the three sections and if necessary be washed with warm soapy water, as all the components are rustproof and waterproof. The components can then be dried and stored or placed in a carrying case for transport. 
         [0032]    Alternatively, the device may be used in the bathtub or shower by individuals that have trouble reaching. In this use of the present embodiment, a user places a damp washcloth or sponge between triangle heads  205  of clamp  113  and holds the device by handle  105  to be able to reach his feet, legs, back etc. If desired after bathing, the user may place lotion or ointment on a tissue or cloth in clamp  113  rub it on any location on his body. The device can then be taken apart, dried, and stored or placed in a small case, tote or bag for transport. 
         [0033]    In an alternate embodiment, the device may be configured to work from the side of the leg. In this embodiment, an elbow is installed directly behind the clamp head to enable the handle to extend to the right or left of the leg. The handle plus the extension provides the length to pull the cleaning device back and forth through the area to be cleaned without going directly between the legs. This embodiment does not enable the user to apply as much torque as the straight embodiment described in the foregoing does, and thus its ability to clean effectively may be limited. 
         [0034]    Many embodiments of the present invention may be used in a number of cleaning applications. Because the spring handle clamp holds the cleaning material away from the axis body and the handle, abrasive compounds could be placed on rags or sponges and used to clean barrels, cans, inside pipe and casings, etc. Other cleaning products could be held at length to clean and scrub siding, travel trailers, mobile homes, etc. Then by squeezing the spring wire handles together, the soiled cloth and cleaner may be released into a trash receptacle without coming into contact with the user. Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that some embodiments may be used to clean various different items such as, but not limited to, windows, blinds, walls, ceilings, ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, toilets, under furniture, automobiles, etc. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of an exemplary personal cleaning device separated into three sections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the cleaning device is made substantially of aluminum and comprises a clamp head  301 , an extension  303  and a handle  305 . The sections of this device are attached to one another with spring lever lock buttons. Clamp head  301  comprises a ½-inch aluminum threaded cap  307 , a ½-inch by 1 and ¾-inch all-thread aluminum nipple  309 , two ½-inch by ⅞-inch rubber washers  311  and  317 , a spring handle clamp  313 , and a ½-inch threaded aluminum threaded coupling  319  with a button receptacle  320 . Extension  303  comprises a ½-inch aluminum tube  323  with a ½-inch aluminum spring lever lock button  324 , which corresponds to button receptacle  320 . Tube  323  is approximately 5 to 8 inches in length with a ½-inch aluminum coupling  325  with a button receptacle  326  at the end opposite spring lever lock button  324 . Handle  305  comprises a ½-inch aluminum tube  329  with a ½-inch aluminum spring lever lock button  330  that corresponds to button receptacle  320  or  326 . Aluminum tube  329  is approximately 8 to 10 inches long. A ¾-inch foam or rubber grip  331  is attached to tube  329  near the end opposite spring lever lock button  330  and a ½-inch aluminum cap  333  is attached to tube  329  at this end. 
         [0036]    All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0037]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a personal cleaning device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the device may vary depending upon the particular type of intended user. The devices described in the foregoing were directed to implementations intended for average sized adults; however, similar techniques are to make smaller devices for children or smaller adults or larger sizes for larger adults. Implementations of the present invention of various different sizes are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0038]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.