Abstract:
A device and method of use for a cleaning cloth which employs multiple fabric or material surfaces to allow a user to select the type of surface through its design and ability to reverse internal and outer surfaces is disclosed. In one embodiment, the versatile wash cloth incorporates attachment loops which facilities the hanging and additional cleaning uses of the wash cloth. The attachment loops may be mounted, coupled, or formed as an integral part of the design for the versatile wash cloth. In addition, the versatile wash cloth system may employ a handle extension component to aid in the cleaning process.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.: 61/598,849; Filed: Feb. 14, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       INCORPORATING-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0005]    Not applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to a device and method of use for a versatile wash cloth system having a plurality of applications and functions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method of use for a cleaning cloth which employs multiple fabric or material surfaces to allow a user to select the type of surface through its design and ability to reverse internal and outer surfaces. In addition, the system may employ a handle extension component to aid in the cleaning process. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Without limiting the scope of the disclosed device and method, the background is described in connection with a novel device and approach to a versatile cleaning cloth system. 
         [0008]    The fields prior art reflects many approaches and devices for cleaning cloths. Wipes, cloths, and towels have all been employed in various constructions and for various purposes. 
         [0009]    A first example of a cleaning device in the prior art is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,524 issued on Jul. 31, 2001 to Sally Smy Kroha. In this example, the device is structured for a soap bag and secures the soap bag in the users hand with partial reversibility of the surfaces. 
         [0010]    A second example of a cleaning device in the prior art is described in U.S. Pat. No. D413,477 issued on Sep. 7, 1999 to Sean K Chaney. In this example, the device is structured as a nonreversible wash cloth with a soap pocket. 
         [0011]    In reality, what is seen in the prior art are specifically designed cleaning devices that serve a distinct and limited purpose. While all of the aforementioned devices may fulfill their unique purposes, none of them fulfill the need for a reversible versatile cleaning cloth that provides for a practical and effective means for washing, cleaning, scrubbing, and absorbing under various applications and environments. 
         [0012]    The present invention therefore proposes a novel device and method of use for a versatile wash cloth having a plurality of applications and functions. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention, therefore, provides a device and method of use for a reversible versatile wash cloth which incorporates one or more attachment loops to allow additional functionality in cleaning, wiping, and absorbing activities. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is composed of a two layered design. In another embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is composed of a three layered design. In another embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is composed of a four layered design. In each of the aforementioned embodiments, the layers may consist of a variety materials such as but not limited to cotton and mesh. In another embodiment, one or more attachment loops are coupled, attached, or fastened to the material to provide additional functionality such as hanging, folding, and additional operations of the device. In yet another embodiment, a handle extension component is employed to aid in the cleaning process. 
         [0015]    In summary, the present invention relates to a device and method of use for a versatile wash cloth having a plurality of applications and functions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method of use for a cleaning cloth which employs multiple fabric or material surfaces to allow a user to select the type of surface through its design and ability to reverse internal and outer surfaces. In addition, the versatile wash cloth system may employ a handle extension component to aid in the cleaning process. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0016]    For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which: 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating a double layered design with attachment holes in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the top layer lifted of a three layered design illustrating the middle mesh with gripping stitching and attachment holes in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating a triple layered design with attachment holes, a mesh middle, and gripping stitching in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the initial stage of reversing a three layered design in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a three layered design in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth&#39;s attachment loop component in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a corner perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loop illustrating the beginning of the fastening process via a pass through loop in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a corner perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loop illustrating the completion of the fastening process via a pass through loop in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loops fastened in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loops fastened illustrating a half fold in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0029]      FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with an attachment loop fastened illustrating a storage or hanging setup in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0030]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design with attachment loops in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0031]      FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating all layers being made out of a mesh material in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0032]      FIG. 16  is a bottom side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0033]      FIG. 17  is a right side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0034]      FIG. 18  is a top side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component attached to the versatile wash cloth in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         [0035]      FIG. 19  is a left side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component attached to the versatile wash cloth in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Disclosed herein is an improved device and method of use for a versatile wash cloth system. The numerous innovative teachings of the present invention will be described with particular reference to several embodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation). 
         [0037]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth. Here illustrated is a double layered design with a top surface layer  10  and a bottom surface layer  20 . By integrating multiple surface layers, the cleaning effectiveness and efficiency is approved by providing the user of the device not only additional surface area but also multiple surface areas. Surface layers may be made out of a variety of materials which include but are not limited to cotton and mesh. In this embodiment three sides of the versatile wash cloth are attached at the outer edges between the top surface layer  10  and the bottom surface layer  20 . The edges may be attached by number of means that include but not limited to velcro, stitching and adhesive. This configuration allows the user to insert their hand into the versatile wash cloth much like a glove at the remaining side which is not attached between the top surface layer  10  and the bottom surface layer  20 . In  FIG. 1  the user&#39;s hand entry side is shown on the bottom side of the illustration. In addition, the attachment holes  30  are illustrated which are structures where the attachment loops can be fastened. In this embodiment, two attachment holes  30  are shown which are on opposite corners of the versatile wash cloth. While this embodiment includes two attachment holes  30 , other embodiments may include one or more than two. An additional aspect of the invention is that the versatile wash cloth is reversible and the attachment holes  30  maintain their positions in a reversible configuration. In another embodiment, the attachment holes do not maintain their positions. In yet other embodiments the attachment holes may or may not be all the way through the versatile wash cloth. That is the attachment hole may only be through a layer of material or through layers of material but not all. 
         [0038]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth. This illustration provides a view of the versatile wash cloth with the top surface layer lifted  10  of a three layered design illustrating the middle mesh surface layer  40  with grip stitching  50  and attachment holes  30 . The top surface layer  10  is lifted for illustration purposes only and not an aspect of the device. In this embodiment a mesh material surface layer  40  is used as a middle layer. When the versatile wash cloth is reversed, the outer layers will consist of a mesh surface area  40  and a top surface area  10  with the bottom surface layer  20  now in the middle in this reversible configuration. The grip stitching  50  allows the users hand to fit securely within the versatile wash cloth. The stitching is between the bottom surface layer  20  and the middle mesh surface layer  40 . In a four layer design, another embodiment would have additional grip stitching  50  between the top surface layer  10  and the additional mesh layer next to it. 
         [0039]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating a three layered design. In this illustration the top surface layer  10 , the bottom surface layer  20 , and the middle mesh surface layer  40  is readily seen. 
         [0040]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 4 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the initial stage of reversing a three layered design. The open end is the starting point for beginning the reversing of the versatile wash cloth. 
         [0041]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 5 , a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a three layered design. As mentioned previously, once the versatile wash cloth is reversed, the outer surface layers are now the top surface layer  10  and the former middle mesh surface layer  40  with the former bottom surface layer  20  now in the middle. In this illustration the open side is not seen and could be on the back or right side which are not viewable in this illustration. 
         [0042]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design. In this embodiment, the four layered design consists of two middle layers of mesh  40 , a top surface layer  10 , and a bottom surface layer  20 . Once the versatile wash cloth four layered design is reversed, the outer surface layers are now the former two middle mesh surface layers  40  with the former bottom surface layer  20  and the former top surface layer  10  now the two layers in the middle. 
         [0043]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 , a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design with grip stitching  50 . In this illustration, it is more apparent how the mesh surface layers  40  in a reversible configuration become the outer surface layers. 
         [0044]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 8 , a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth&#39;s attachment loop. In this embodiment the attachment loop consists of a string loop  60  and a button  70  fastened at the end. Examples of alternative embodiments include but are not limited to the button being replaced by a bead, hook, or clasp. Additional examples of alternative embodiments include but are not limited to the string loop  60  being replaced by a cord or band. The attachment loop may be attached at the versatile wash cloth&#39;s attachment holes  30  as will be described in the next few sections. 
         [0045]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 9 , a corner perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loop illustrating the beginning of the fastening process via a pass through loop  80  through the attachment hole  30 . In this illustration it is more readily seen how the attachment loop is passed through the attachment hole  30  and re-threaded through its string loop  60 . 
         [0046]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 10 , a corner perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loop illustrating the completion of the fastening process via a pass through loop. In this illustration, the pass through loop  80  is tightened and the final configuration is seen with the attachment loop integrated. 
         [0047]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 11 , a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loops fastened. In this illustration the complete layout can be seen for the versatile wash cloth. The grip stitching  50  can bee seen on the lower surface layer  20  along with the attachment holes  30  and pass through loops  80 . In this embodiment, the grip stitching  50  can be seen in a particular configuration. The opening for the user&#39;s hand can be seen in the upper right corner where the mesh middle surface layer  40  can be seen. The two grip stitch lines  50  originating from the opening are perpendicular to the side and are wide enough to allow the user&#39;s hand to slide between the two. The other two grip stitch lines  50  originate from the opposite side&#39;s corners and are at a forty-five degree angle coming in towards the center of versatile wash cloth. This second set of grip stitch lines  50  allow the user&#39;s fingers to fit into the three distinct pocket areas for better gripping and utilization of the versatile wash cloth. 
         [0048]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 12 , a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with the attachment loops fastened illustrating a half fold. One functional aspect of the versatile wash cloth is if the user grabs an attachment loop by the button  70  having one in each hand and pulling out and apart as to make the attachment string  60  and material taught, the half fold configuration is achieved. The user may then use this configuration for cleaning, scrubbing, wiping, and absorbing by moving both hands from side to side while maintaining this taught position. This allows the user to reach hard locations such as a user&#39;s back. 
         [0049]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 13 , a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with an attachment loop fastened illustrating a storage or hanging setup. In this illustration, the attachment loop is fastened by the attachment loop button  70  being inserted into the attachment hole  30 . This allows the string loop  60  to be hooked onto a number of features for storage or temporary hanging. In this illustration, the string loop has a pass through loop  80  around a bar. 
         [0050]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 14 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design with attachment loops. In this illustration the opening for the user&#39;s hand can be seen along with the grip stitching  50  and attachment loops. What can also be seen in this illustration are the four layers of the design. The former two inner mesh surface layers  40  are now the two outer layers of the versatile wash cloth and the former top surface layer  10  and bottom surface layer  20  are now the two middle layers of the versatile wash cloth. 
         [0051]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 15 , a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth illustrating all layers being made out of a mesh material. Illustrated in this figure is the attachment hole  30  and the attachment loop button  70 . In this embodiment, the attachment loop button is a longitudinal bead. 
         [0052]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 16 , a bottom side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component. Illustrated in this figure are the components&#39; handle portion  110 , the distance between the scrubber arm caps  120 , the left side scrubber arm cap  130 , the right side scrubber arm cap  140 , the distance between the scrubber arms  150 , the left scrubber arm  160 , the right scrubber arm  170 , the versatile wash cloth attachment loop connection point along the longitudinal handle portion  180 , the attachment hole  190 , and the versatile wash cloth attachment loop connection point at the end of the longitudinal handle portion  200 . The handle portion  110  may be made of various lengths to accommodate different body sizes. In addition, the scrubber arm distance  150  can be varied for optimal cleaning effectiveness. For example, for scrubbing along the arms and shoulders, the scrubber arm distance  150  can be set so that the arm and shoulder width is similar to the scrubber arm distance  150 . The scrubber arm distance  150  can easily be adjusted by sliding the scrubber arms apart or closer together. The scrubber arm caps  130 ,  140  may be embody various scrubbing surfaces and materials. Some examples of scrubbing surfaces and materials may include but are not limited to textured surfaces and spike surfaces made of foams, rubbers, and plastics which aid in the scrubbing and cleaning process. In this embodiment, the versatile wash cloth attachment loop connection point along the longitudinal handle portion  180  is a screw head extending from the handle portion  110  a sufficient distance to allow the versatile wash cloth&#39;s attachment loop  60  to latch. As an alternative connection point for the versatile wash cloth&#39;s attachment loop  60 , the connection point at the end of the longitudinal handle portion  200  may be used. In this embodiment, the connection point  200  is a notch at the end of the handle portion of sufficient size to allow the versatile wash cloth&#39;s attachment loop  60  to latch. The attachment hole  190  is a feature of the handle extension component which allows the user to hang or attach the component to various surfaces to store. 
         [0053]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 17 , a right side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component. In this illustration the scrubbing angle  210  is seen. The handle extension component allows the user to adjust the angle  210  between the scrubber arms  160 ,  170  and the handle portion  110  for optimal cleaning effectiveness and user preference. 
         [0054]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 18 , a top side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component attached to the versatile wash cloth. Illustrated in this figure is one embodiment of how the versatile wash cloth is attached to the handle extension component via the attachment loop  60  connected to the versatile wash cloth attachment loop connection point along the longitudinal handle portion  180 . The versatile wash cloth simply slides onto the versatile wash cloth handle extension, the handle extension scrubber arms  160 ,  170  simply taking the position of a user&#39;s hand in the versatile wash cloth. In an alternate embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is attached to the handle extension component via the attachment loop  60  connected to the versatile wash cloth attachment loop connection point at the end of the longitudinal handle portion  200 . 
         [0055]    Reference is lastly made to  FIG. 19 , a left side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth handle extension component attached to the versatile wash cloth 
         [0056]    In brief, the reversible versatile wash cloth incorporating attachment loops as described herein provides for an efficient and effective means for various environments where cleaning, scrubbing, wiping, and absorbing is needed. The handle extension component provides for added reach, functionality, and aids in the cleaning process 
         [0057]    The disclosed device and method of use is generally described, with examples incorporated as particular embodiments of the invention and to demonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the claims in any manner. 
         [0058]    To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms may be defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the disclosed device or method, except as may be outlined in the claims. 
         [0059]    Alternative applications for this invention include using this device and method of use for wiping, cleaning, and absorbing in general for alternative applications and in various types of machines. Consequently, any embodiments comprising a one piece or multi piece device having the structures as herein disclosed with similar function shall fall into the coverage of claims of the present invention and shall lack the novelty and inventive step criteria. 
         [0060]    It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific device and method of use described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims. 
         [0061]    All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent application are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0062]    In the claims, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases. 
         [0063]    The device and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the device and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the device and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. 
         [0064]    More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components which are both shape and material related may be substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.