Abstract:
A sponge with a sponge body and at least one opening in the side surface or surfaces to receive one or more fingers and thumbs of a user. The at least one opening may be located along the perimeter of the sponge. The at least one opening is capable of providing protection to a user&#39;s fingernail, knuckles, and other parts of the finger, during use. The sponge body may be formed into any shape or size. Additionally, the openings may be dimensioned such that they are capable of receiving and protecting the fingers and thumbs of a user. The sponge body can be formed from any acceptable material, such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA).

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     A sponge is a common tool used for cleaning, absorbing, drying, filtering, and wiping activities. Sponges are generally constructed out of porous materials designed to effectively absorb liquid solutions. The porous materials consist of a network of interconnected fibers that create holes within the sponge body. When liquid is introduced to the sponge, the holes between the fibers may fill up causing the porous material to swell. The swelling action traps the liquid until active pressure is applied to the sponge, thus releasing the absorbed liquid. 
     Sponges have numerous applications and may be specifically designed to suit the needs of each specific application. In particular, sponges may be constructed out of a number of different porous materials. Examples may include natural sea sponge, cellulose, rubber sponge, viscose sponge, polyester sponge, polyurethane sponge, or polyvinyl alcohol sponge (PVA), among others. The porous material chosen may affect a sponge&#39;s durability, effectiveness, weight, and ability to absorb or retain liquid. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a sponge may include: a sponge body, the sponge body comprising one or more side surfaces; and at least one of the one or more side surfaces comprising one or more openings. 
     In another aspect, a sponge may include: a sponge body, the sponge body comprising one or more side surfaces; and at least one of the one or more side surfaces comprising an opening. 
     In a further aspect, a sponge may include: a sponge body, the sponge body comprising one or more side surfaces; and at least one of the one or more side surfaces comprising six openings. 
     These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a first example sponge. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a cross-sectional view of the example sponge of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the example sponge of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in use. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a second example sponge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a sponge  100  according to an example embodiment. The sponge  100  may include a sponge body  105 , side surfaces  110 , openings  120   a  and  120   b, a  perimeter  130 , a top surface  140 , and a bottom surface  150 . The openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be positioned along the perimeter  130  of the side surfaces  110  on the sponge body  105 . Top surface  140  and bottom surface  150  may be located on the sponge body  105  and, in some example embodiments, may not contain any openings  120   a  and  120   b.    
     The sponge body  105  may be formed in any of a number of different ways. For example, in some example embodiments, the sponge body may be molded. In other example embodiments, the sponge body may be cut, injection molded, molded by casting or foaming, extruded, or machined. Other examples are possible, as well. In addition, the method of construction may relate to or be determined by the material out of which the sponge is constructed. 
     The sponge body  105  may be formed into any of a number of different shapes. In some example embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the sponge body  105  may be constructed into a circular shape. Other shapes may be possible as well, including, but not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, semi-circular, or crescent. The shape may also be irregular or undefined, as well. 
     Additionally, sponges may be produced in many different sizes. For example, a sponge may be sized such that a user can grip the sponge in one hand. Alternatively, a sponge may be large enough to be affixed to a mop or sponge for cleaning purposes. Regardless, the number of different sizes and shapes is limitless. 
     The dimensions of each sponge  100 , including the diameter, length, width, and thickness may also vary. For example, some sponges may be manufactured such that they can be held in one hand. In such examples, the dimensions of the sponge body  105  may match the size of, or be slightly larger than, a typical hand. 
     In other examples, the sponge  100  may be larger or smaller than the size of a typical hand. In some cases, the sponge may be used on small surfaces or in small spaces, such as bottles or jars, for example. In such cases, a sponge body  105  with smaller dimensions may be appropriate. In other cases, the sponge may be used on larger surfaces, such as on vehicles or on household surfaces such as counters, shelves, floors, walls, or ceilings. In such cases, a sponge body  105  with larger dimensions may be appropriate. 
     In yet other examples, the sponge  100  may be attached to a handle. In some cases, the sponge may be attached to the end of a very long handle, similar to a mop. Such sponges may also have a sponge body  105  with larger dimensions, especially if the sponge could be used on larger surfaces. 
     Other example uses and applications are possible as well. Moreover, the dimensions of the sponge  100  or sponge body  105  are not necessarily limited or determined by the sponge&#39;s use or application. For example, a sponge with dimensions that match the size of a typical hand may be used with a very long handle, and a handheld sponge may be used on larger surfaces, such as on vehicles, counters, shelves, floors, walls, or ceilings. 
     The sponge body  105  may contain a number of surfaces. According to the example embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the sponge body  105  may include one or more side surfaces  110 , a top surface  140 , and a bottom surface  150 . Other surfaces may exist in alternative embodiments. Typically, all surfaces of a sponge may be porous, although in some examples some surfaces may not be porous. In addition, some surfaces may be more porous than others, and some surfaces may be made of different materials from others. 
     In an example embodiment, the side surfaces  110  may create a perimeter  130  around the sponge body  105 . The perimeter  130  may be defined as a continuous line formed around the sponge body  105  by the side surfaces  110  to create a boundary of the sponge. As illustrated in the example embodiment in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the perimeter  130  may be located on one or more surfaces comprising the circumference of the sponge body  105 . Alternatively, in other example embodiments, the perimeter  130  may be located on one or more surfaces comprising the length and width of the sponge. 
     The perimeter  130  may be centered on the side surfaces  110  or equidistant from the top surface  140  and the bottom surface  150  of the sponge body  105 , or may alternatively be located closer to the top surface  140  or bottom surface  150 . Additionally, the perimeter  130  may not be located at the same height throughout the same sponge body  105 . 
     The side surfaces  110  may exist in various forms. For example, the surfaces may be rounded, angled, or straight. Additionally, the surfaces may vary in height and length depending on the preferred shape. In an example embodiment, the side surface  110  is rounded, allowing the sponge to have a circular shape. Alternatively, all of the surfaces may be straight, thus creating a square or rectangular shape. 
     The sponge  100  may be made out of any of a number of materials. In some examples, the sponge may be made from one material. In other examples, the sponge may be made from more than one material. If the sponge comprises multiple materials, the materials may all be porous or, in some cases, one or more materials may be porous and one or more materials may not be porous. The materials may also have varying degrees of porosity. 
     The sponge body  105  may be constructed from various types of porous materials. These materials may include, but are not limited to, natural sea sponge, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose, viscose sponge, rubber latex (synthetic rubber), polyurethane sponge, polyethylene sponge, and polyester sponge. Other materials may be possible as well. The material of the sponge body  105  may impact additional sponge properties, such as ability to retain water, durability, absorption rate, and sponginess, which incorporates compressibility and elasticity. 
     In one example embodiment, the sponge body  105  may be constructed from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA can form a plastic porous structure that is made from water soluble PVA acetalized with an acid catalyst. Use of PVA may be advantageous because it resembles the properties and qualities of natural sea sponge. PVA may also have a high filtering efficiency and may be reusable after cleaning. It may also exhibit strong chemical resistance and can retain large amounts of liquids. PVA may also resist the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. 
     PVA may be manufactured to contain a variety of pore sizes—from very small pores to large pores similar to those of natural sea sponges. Pore size within the sponge body  105  may impact its ability to retain liquids. For example, a sponge body  105  with large pores may allow more liquid to flow through the sponge as compared to a sponge with small pores. In an example embodiment, pore size may range from 60 microns up to and including 1500 microns. Other pore size ranges may be possible as well. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sponge  100  may include an abrasive surface to aid in a cleaning process. For example, the sponge may include an abrasive or resin material, such as melamine. In one example, the abrasive or resin materials may be impregnated into the sponge body  105 . In another example, the sponge may contain one or more layers of abrasive or resin on the surfaces of the sponge body  105 . Such an abrasive or resin material may act to aid in the cleaning process by providing more friction against the surfaces engaged by the sponge or to be cleaned by the sponge. In addition, fine abrasives may be added to the PVA sponge. The abrasives can be absorbed by the PVA sponge and retained so that the PVA sponge itself becomes abrasive. 
     In other examples, the sponge may include a scouring surface (similar to a scouring pad). The scouring surface may be located on any surface of the sponge, and may provide additional assistance for cleaning purposes. 
     As illustrated in the embodiment in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the sponge body may include one or more openings  120   a  and  120   b . One or more of the openings may receive, for example, a finger or thumb. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings may receive, for example, a handle or connection for a handle. Such a handle may be used to, for example, grip the sponge or extend the reach of the sponge. 
     The openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be located on the side surfaces  110  along the perimeter  130  of the sponge body  105 . The number, shape, size, and location of the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may vary. The number of openings  120   a  and  120   b  may also vary. In some cases, the number of openings  120   a  and  120   b  may vary based on, for example, the dimensions of the sponge body  105 . 
     In addition, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be in the form of slits, slots, holes, cuts, gaps, crevices, or indentations, for example, and may be formed into the sponge body  105  using various methods. The methods may include, but are not limited to, tooling, water jet cutting, drilling, molding, machining, cutting (with scissors, blades, or other manual or automated cutting implements), die cutting, laser cutting, or router cutting, for example. 
     The openings  120   a  and  120   b  may also be sized such that a user may place one or more digits, such as one or more fingers or thumbs, into the openings. In an example embodiment, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be approximately ¼ inch to 1¾ inch wide around the perimeter  130  of the sponge body  105 . In other embodiments, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be larger or smaller, and may vary in size. 
     The number of openings  120   a  and  120   b  may vary. In the example embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the sponge body  105  may contain six openings  120   a  and  120   b . The six openings may include four “finger” openings  120   a , and two “thumb” openings  120   b . The two “thumb” openings  120   b  may generally oppose the four “finger” openings  120   a . The six openings may allow a user holding the sponge  100  with one hand to place all four fingers into openings  120   a , with two available openings  120   b  for a thumb. 
     Such “thumb” openings  120   b  can be oriented such that one “thumb” opening may more easily accommodate a thumb on the left hand, while the other “thumb” opening may more easily accommodate a thumb on the right hand. In particular, because a person&#39;s thumb is next to (or closest) to a person&#39;s index finger, a user&#39;s thumb may use whichever “thumb” opening  120   b  is closest to the opening used by that user&#39;s index finger. 
     In an example embodiment, each thumb opening  120   b  may be oriented approximately 112.5 degrees from the closest finger opening  120   a . In other embodiments, each thumb opening  120   b  may be oriented in the range of 90 degrees to 120 degrees from the closest finger opening  120   a . In some embodiments, the thumb openings may be oriented 45 degrees from each other. In other embodiments, each thumb opening  120   b  may be oriented in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees from each other. In some embodiments, the finger openings may be oriented 22.5 degrees from each other. In other embodiments, each finger opening  120   a  may be oriented in the range of 22.5 degrees to 45 degrees away from each other. Other distances any orientations may be possible as well. 
     In yet another example, each thumb opening  120   b  may be oriented on the same side surface  110 . Likewise, each finger opening  120   a  may be oriented on the same side surface  110 . In an example embodiment, the side surface  110  comprising the thumb openings  120   b  may generally oppose the side surface  110  comprising the finger openings  120   a.    
     In an alternative example embodiment, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be oriented such that they are spaced equally around the perimeter  130  of the sponge body  105 . Further, in yet another embodiment, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be placed at varying distances from each other. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the sponge body  105  may contain a single opening that extends around a portion of the perimeter  130  or the entire perimeter  130 . 
     In yet a further embodiment, the sponge body  105  may include a sufficient number of openings  120   a  and  120   b  such that a user may place fingers or thumbs from two hands into the sponge body  105 . Such an embodiment may also have openings that comprise finger openings  120   a  and thumb openings  120   b , and such openings may be on generally opposing surfaces, or may be oriented to more easily accommodate particular fingers and/or thumbs of a user, as discussed above. 
     The depth of the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may vary. In an example embodiment, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be tooled approximately ½ inch to 3 inches deep into the sponge body  105 . The openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be sized such that a user may place a portion of one or more digits, such as one or more fingers or thumbs, into the openings. In other embodiments, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be sized such that a user may place one or more digits in their entirety into the openings. In further embodiments, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be larger or smaller, and may vary in size. 
     In one embodiment, the sponge body  105  may be sterilized using a variety of sterilization methods. The sterilization methods may include, but are not limited to, gaseous sterilization, exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO), chlorine or a sterilizing medical liquid, gamma radiation sterilization, autoclave, or exposure to ultraviolet lamps. 
     Further, the sponge body  105  may be impregnated with various types of liquid solutions. The liquid solutions may include an antibacterial solution, which may be used to prevent bacterial growth on the sponge. Alternatively, the solution may include soap, which may be used for cleaning purposes. Other possible liquid solutions may exist as well. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sponge  100  according to the embodiment of the sponge constructed in accordance with  FIG. 1A . The sponge  100  includes a sponge body  105 , a side surface  110 , openings  120   a  and  120   b  and a perimeter  130 . As shown in this figure, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  are located within the sponge body  105  with access through the side surfaces  110 . In  FIG. 1B , the openings  120   a  and  120   b  are tooled to a depth that does not reach the center of the sponge. In alternative embodiments, however, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be at a depth that extends through the center of the sponge body  105 . 
     Additionally, as depicted in  FIG. 1B , the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be oriented at different distances from one another. In an alternative embodiment, the openings  120   a  and  120   b  may be oriented equally around the perimeter  130  of the sponge body  105 . As discussed above, the number of openings  120   a  and  120   b  may vary, ranging from one opening to as many openings as capable of fitting into the sponge. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the sponge of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in use. In operation, the openings  120   a  may receive one or more of the user&#39;s fingers. The openings  120   b  may receive one or more of the user&#39;s thumb or thumbs. When the openings  120   a  and  120   b  receive one or more of the user&#39;s fingers and thumbs, protection of the user&#39;s fingers or thumbs, fingernails, or knuckles may occur. The openings may assist the user&#39;s ability to clean tough surfaces, wring out the sponge, and more precisely direct the sponge while cleaning. As mentioned above, the user&#39;s fingers may fit into the individual openings  120   a  and  120   b  located on the sponge or into the one slit that spans the entire perimeter, as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a sponge  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sponge  300  includes a sponge body  305 , side surfaces  310 , an opening  320 , a perimeter  330 , a top surface  340 , and a bottom surface  350 . The opening  320  is positioned around the perimeter  330  of the side surfaces  310  on the sponge body  105 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the opening  320  may extend around the entire perimeter  330  of the sponge body  305 . The continuous opening allows a user to place one or more fingers or thumbs into the sponge body  305  at any orientation of the sponge. In an alternative embodiment, the opening  320  may extend around a portion of the perimeter  330 . 
     Additionally, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.