Abstract:
A body scrub brush with an integrated liquid soap dispenser that eliminates the need to maintain a bottle or bar of soap in the bathing area is disclosed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/521,894, filed Aug. 10, 2011 and titled Body Scrub Brush With Liquid Soap Dispenser, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed to a body scrub brush with an integrated liquid soap dispenser that eliminates the need to maintain a bottle or bar of soap in the bathing area. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Historically bars of soap have been used in personal cleansing dating back to 2800 BC in Ancient Babylon. An alternative to bar soap is liquid soap, also called bath or shower gel. Liquid soap was actually first patented in the United States by William Shepphard of New York, who was granted U.S. Pat. No. 49,561 for his “Improved Liquid Soap” on Aug. 22, 1865 for his discovery that a small amount of conventional soap could be mixed with large amounts of hartshorn to create a soap with a consistency of molasses. It was not until the 20 th  century, however, that liquid soap became a household item. 
     While both products are used today in bathing, there are pros and cons to each. Bar soap, when left in the shower or bath, tends to become “slimy” and leave a layer of scum. Liquid soap tends to be overused by bathers. Regardless, liquid soap has become very popular. 
     Liquid soap is often used by applying it to some type of applicator, such as a pouf or a loofah. The bather creates a lather by mixing the liquid soap with water and then bathes by scrubbing his or her body with the foamy pouf or loofah. In comparison, bar soap is typically used directly by the bather on the skin, or else can be used to “lather up” a terry wash cloth which is then used on the skin. 
     One of the common problems that bathers face is washing the back. Obviously most bathers cannot reach their back with either a bar of soap, a wash cloth or a pouf or loofah. To remedy this problem, a number of retailers sell poufs or loofahs on extension arms. The bather can place soap on the pouf or loofah, create a lather and then reach his or her back with the lathered pouf or loofah. It is difficult to tell when the lather on the pouf or loofah has washed off, and the bather must repeatedly place soap on the pouf or loofah and create a lather to make sure that the entire back is washed with soap. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed to a body scrub brush comprising a handle having a hollow interior cavity configured for containing liquid soap; a head comprising a scrubbing attachment receiver wherein the head further comprises one or more outlet holes located substantially in the center of the scrubbing attachment receiver, each sealed with an elastomeric seal having at least one orifice; a channel between the hollow interior cavity of the handle and each outlet hole; and an elastomeric button situated on the handle that is configured to pump liquid soap through the channel and through the outlet holes. The head is configured to receive a variety of scrubbing attachments, including but not limited to poufs; loofahs; and wash cloths. The handle has a resealable opening through which liquid soap can be transferred into the hollow interior cavity. In one embodiment, the elastomeric button comprises the resealable opening. The scrub brush of the invention enables soap dispensing in the bath or shower without the need to maintain a bottle or bar of soap in the bathing area. Further, the type and/or fragrance of the liquid soap placed in the hollow interior cavity can be varied at each refill. Even further, liquid soaps of varying types and/or fragrances can be mixed in the hollow interior cavity of the handle. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a top view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a top perspective view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1D  a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a top view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a top perspective view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  depicts the valve in the head of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a side view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a side view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts the interior of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4B  depicts the interior of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a cut-away view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a cut-away view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 4A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed to a body scrub brush comprising a handle having a hollow interior cavity configured for containing liquid soap; a head comprising a scrubbing attachment receiver wherein the head further comprises one or more outlet holes located substantially in the center of the scrubbing attachment receiver, each sealed with an elastomeric seal having at least one orifice; a channel between the hollow interior cavity of the handle and each outlet hole; and an elastomeric button situated on the handle that is configured to pump liquid soap through the channel and through the outlet holes. The head is configured to receive a variety of scrubbing attachments, including but not limited to poufs; loofahs; and wash cloths. The handle has a resealable opening through which liquid soap can be transferred into the hollow interior cavity. In one embodiment, the elastomeric button comprises the resealable opening. The scrub brush of the invention enables soap dispensing in the bath or shower without the need to maintain a bottle or bar of soap in the bathing area. Further, the type and/or fragrance of the liquid soap placed in the hollow interior cavity can be varied at each refill. Even further, liquid soaps of varying types and/or fragrances can be mixed in the hollow interior cavity of the handle. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the body scrub brush comprises a handle having a hollow interior cavity configured for containing liquid soap, and a resealable opening through which liquid soap can be transferred into the hollow interior cavity. The handle may be made of any material, including plastic, metal or wood. The handle has a distal end, a proximal end, a front side and a back side. The depth of the device is the distance between the interior walls of the front side and the back side. The resealable opening may be disposed at the distal end of the handle, or disposed on either the front side or the back side, and may comprise an opening having male threads, which can be mated with a removable cap comprising female threads. The resealable opening allows liquid soap to be poured into the hollow interior cavity of the handle. The handle further comprises an elastomeric button disposed on either the front side or the back side that, when pressed from the exterior by the user, applies a force into the hollow interior cavity of the handle, causing the liquid soap to flow. The elastomeric button comprises a lip which mates with a shoulder in the opening in the handle. 
     In one embodiment, the elastomeric button comprises the resealable opening. The elastomeric button can be removed from the handle by pulling on the elastomeric button from the exterior, and replaced by lining up the lip of the elastomeric button with the shoulder of the opening and applying pressure until the lip mates with the shoulder. In one embodiment, the elastomeric button comprises a first tab that can be grasped and pulled to remove the elastomeric button from the opening. In one embodiment, the elastomeric button comprises a second tab that attaches the elastomeric button to the handle so that it cannot be separated from the handle. 
     In one embodiment, the handle further comprises a diverter located in the hollow interior cavity substantially opposite the elastomeric button. The diverter comprises a solid exterior partition that can be tapered in width and height from wider to narrower in the direction of the distal end of the handle to the proximate end of the handle. In one embodiment, the diverter extends only partially into the hollow interior cavity of the handle. When the elastomeric button is pressed such that force is applied to liquid soap in the hollow interior cavity of the handle, the diverter is configured to divert the flow of the liquid soap toward the proximate end of the handle. 
     The distal end of the handle may be configured for easy gripping by the user. The distal end may be covered with a surface that is easy to grasp when the handle is wet and covered with lather. The distal end may comprise an opening or hook from which the body scrub brush can be hung when not in use while bathing. 
     The handle may be curved to accommodate the shape of the human back. The handle may be extendible for adjustment to various body sizes. 
     The proximate end of the handle is enclosed by a top face, where the top face comprises two outlets disposed substantially at opposite outer edges of the top face. 
     The head of the body scrub brush comprises a distal end comprising a base face, a proximal end comprising a top face, a hollow interior cavity, a front side and a back side. The head of the body scrub brush further comprises a contiguous channel disposed within the hollow interior cavity of the head. The channel comprises two legs and one connector, wherein each leg comprises one open end and connects to the connector at the other end to form a U-shape or rectangular-shape. The base face of the distal end of the head of the body scrub brush mates to the top face of the proximal end of the handle, and each of the two outlets of the legs of the channel mates with one of the outlets that are disposed on the top face of the distal end of the handle. 
     In one embodiment, the handle and the head comprise a unitary piece having a single hollow interior cavity. In this embodiment, a divider is disposed in the hollow interior cavity between the handle and the head, wherein the divider comprises two outlets that mate with the outlets of the legs of the channel. Further in this embodiment, the divider mates with the interior walls of the hollow interior cavity such that no liquid soap can travel through the hollow interior cavity from the handle into the head except through the channel. 
     The channel further comprises one or more outlet holes disposed in the connector between the two legs. One outlet hole provides an outlet to either the front side of the head and the other outlet hole, if present, provides an outlet to the opposite side of the head. Each outlet hole comprises an elastomeric seal, wherein each elastomeric seal comprises an orifice, slit, cross-hairs slit or other outlet from the channel to the exterior of the head. The elastomeric seal is configured to retain liquid within the channel when at atmospheric pressure, but to allow liquid to flow through the orifice, slit, cross-hairs slit or other outlet when the pressure within the interior of the channel is increased above atmospheric pressure. 
     The head of the body scrub brush further comprises one or more scrubbing attachment receivers. In one embodiment, the scrubbing attachment receivers each comprise a cavity that passes through the head from the front side to the back side. In one embodiment, the head comprises a single scrubbing attachment receiver wherein the cavity is disposed substantially in the bottom half of the head. In one embodiment, the head comprises two scrubbing attachment receivers wherein the first cavity is disposed substantially in the distal end of the head and the second cavity is disposed in the proximal end of the head. A scrubbing attachment can be extended through each of the cavities to provide a scrubbing surface. 
     The outlet holes in the channel are disposed such that a scrubbing attachment that is disposed in one or more of the scrubbing attachment receivers is located substantially proximate to the orifice, slit, cross-hairs slit or other outlet. 
     In one embodiment, the width of the handle is approximately 1½ inches; the length of the body scrub brush is approximately 16 inches; and the length of the top half of the handle plus the head is approximately 11¾ inches. 
     In operation, a user opens the resealable opening and pours liquid soap into the hollow interior cavity of the handle. One or more scrubbing attachments, for example two poufs, are disposed in each of two scrubbing attachment receivers in the head. The user presses one or more times on the elastomeric button in the handle, forcing the liquid soap to move across the diverter and up toward the proximal end of the head. The liquid soap passes into the two legs of the channel of the head, and then into the connector and through the orifices, slits, cross-hair slits or other outlets of the channel. The liquid soap passes into the scrubbing attachment where it forms lather during bathing. The user can operate the body scrub brush while scrubbing any part of his or her body, including his or her back. Further, the user can increase the amount of liquid soap that reaches the scrubbing attachment by pressing the elastomeric seal on the handle while scrubbing his or her back. 
     In one embodiment, the body scrub brush comprises a hollow interior wherein the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior proximate the elastomeric button is narrower than the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior of the body at either the proximal end or the distal end of the handle. 
     In one embodiment, the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior of the body of the handle gradually decreases starting from the proximal end of the handle in the direction of the elastomeric button and then gradually increases from the elastomeric button to the distal end of the handle. 
     In one embodiment, the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior is substantially constant from the proximal end of the handle to a point substantially proximate the elastomeric button, wherein the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior decreases starting from the point substantially proximate the elastomeric button to the distal end of the handle. 
     Turning to the figures,  FIG. 1A  depicts a top view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. Body scrub brush  100  comprises a handle  110  having a first hollow interior cavity  115  configured for containing liquid soap (not shown); a head  120  comprising a scrubbing attachment receiver  125  and a second hollow interior cavity  116  wherein the head  120  further comprises one or more outlet holes  130   i  located substantially in the center of the scrubbing attachment receiver  125 , where each outlet hole  130   i  is sealed with an elastomeric seal  135  having at least one orifice  140 ; a channel  145  between the first hollow interior cavity  115  of the handle  110  and the second hollow interior cavity leading to each outlet hole  130 ; and an elastomeric button  150  situated on the handle  110  that is configured to pump liquid soap (not shown) through the channel  145  and through the outlet holes  130   i . The handle  110  has a resealable opening  155  through which liquid soap (not shown) can be transferred into the hollow interior cavity  115 . In one embodiment, the elastomeric button  150  comprises the resealable opening. Handle  110  comprises first distal end  101 , first proximal end  102  enclosed by first top face  103 . Head  120  comprises second distal end  133  enclosed by base face  134 , second proximal end  131  enclosed by second top face  132  and second front side  126  and second back side, a contiguous channel disposed in the second distal end, wherein the contiguous channel comprises two legs and one connector, wherein each leg comprises one open end, wherein further the channel comprises one or more outlet holes disposed between the two legs, wherein each outlet hole comprises an elastomeric seal having at least one orifice, slit, cross-hair slit or other outlet from the channel to the exterior of the head, and one or more scrubbing attachment receivers configured to mate with one or more scrubbing attachments, each having a scrubbing surface. 
       FIG. 1B  depicts a top perspective view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 1A . In one embodiment, a divider  117  is disposed between the first hollow interior cavity  115  and second hollow interior cavity  116 . Handle  110  comprises first back side  105  and one or more outlet holes  106 . 
       FIG. 1C  depicts the body scrub brush  100  according to  FIG. 1  wherein the handle  110  further comprises a diverter  160  located in the hollow interior cavity  115  substantially opposite the elastomeric button  155  (not shown). The diverter  160  comprises a solid exterior partition that can be tapered in width and height from wider to narrower in the direction of the distal end of the handle to the proximate end of the handle. In one embodiment, the diverter  160  extends only partially into the hollow interior cavity  115  of the handle  110 . In one embodiment, head  120  comprises two legs  118   a  and  118   b  and one connector  119 . 
       FIG. 1D  depicts the body scrub brush  100  of  FIG. 1  wherein the head  120  is configured to receive a variety of scrubbing attachments  165 , including but not limited to poufs; loofahs; and wash cloths. The handle  110  comprises an opening  170  from which the body scrub brush  100  can be hung when not in use while bathing. In one embodiment, elastomeric button  150  comprises a lip  151  which mates with a shoulder  152  in an opening in the exterior surface of the handle. In one embodiment, elastomeric button  150  comprises a first tab  153  that can be grasped and pulled to remove the elastomeric button  150 . In one embodiment, elastomeric button  150  comprises a second tab that attaches elastomeric button  150  to handle  110  so that it cannot be separated from handle  110 . 
       FIG. 2A  depicts a body scrub brush according to another embodiment of the invention. Body scrub brush  200  comprises a handle  210  having a hollow interior cavity  215  configured for containing liquid soap (not shown); a head  220  comprising a scrubbing attachment receiver  225 ; and an elastomeric button  250  situated on the handle  210  that is configured to pump liquid soap (not shown) through the channel and through the outlet holes  230 . In this embodiment, body scrub brush  200  further comprises a cap  258  disposed on the distal end of handle  210 . Body scrub brush  200  comprises a hollow interior  215  wherein the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior  215  proximate the elastomeric button  250  is narrower than the cross sectional surface area of the hollow interior  215  of the handle  210  at either the proximal end or the distal end of the handle  210 . Cap  258  is removable so that liquid soap can be poured into hollow interior cavity  215 . Elastomeric button  250  may also be removable to allow for introduction of liquid soap into hollow interior cavity  215 . 
       FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 2A . As seen in this view, body scrub brush  200  further comprises an outlet hole  255  and a stopper  256  opposite the elastomeric button  250 . Stopper  256  provides a flexible surface in handle  210  to reduce the formation of a vacuum effect inside hollow interior cavity  215  when elastomeric button  250  is pressed, thus reducing the likelihood of elastomeric button  250  caving into hollow interior cavity  215  and/or dislodging from handle  210 . 
       FIG. 2C  depicts a top perspective view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 2A . As seen in this view, body scrub brush  200  comprises a scrubbing attachment  265 , which may comprise a pouf; a loofah; and a wash cloth. 
       FIG. 2D  depicts the valve in the head of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 2A . As seen in this view, head  220  further comprises one or more outlet holes  230 , located substantially in the center of the scrubbing attachment  265 , where each outlet hole  230 , is sealed with an elastomeric seal  235  having at least one orifice  240 . A channel (not shown) extends between the hollow interior cavity  215  of the handle  210  and each outlet hole  230 , such that placing force on elastomeric button  250  situated on the handle  210  pumps liquid soap (not shown) through the channel and through the outlet holes  230 . 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a side view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. Body scrub brush  300  comprises a handle  310 ; a head  320 ; an elastomeric button  350  situated on the handle  310 ; a cap  358 ; and a hook  370  from which the body scrub brush  300  can be hung when not in use while bathing. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts the interior of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 3A . Handle  310  comprises a head  320  comprising a scrubbing attachment receiver  325  wherein the head  320  further comprises one or more outlet holes  330 , located substantially in the center of the scrubbing attachment receiver  325 , where each outlet hole  330 , is sealed with an elastomeric seal  335  having at least one orifice  340 . 
       FIG. 3C  depicts a cut-away view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 3A . As seen in this view, head  320  further comprises a channel  345  between the hollow interior cavity  315  of the handle  310  and each outlet hole  330 ; and an elastomeric button  350  situated on the handle  310  that is configured to pump liquid soap (not shown) through the channel  345  and through the outlet holes  330 . 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a side view of a body scrub brush according to one embodiment of the invention. Body scrub brush  400  comprises a handle  410 ; a head  420 ; an elastomeric button  450  situated on the handle  410 ; a cap  458 ; and a hook  470  from which the body scrub brush  400  can be hung when not in use while bathing. 
       FIG. 4B  depicts the interior of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 4A . Handle  410  comprises a head  420  comprising a scrubbing attachment receiver  425  wherein the head  420  further comprises one or more outlet holes  430 , located substantially in the center of the scrubbing attachment receiver  425 , where each outlet hole  430 , is sealed with an elastomeric seal  435  having at least one orifice  440 . 
       FIG. 4C  depicts a cut-away view of the body scrub brush of  FIG. 4A . As seen in this view, head  420  further comprises a channel  345  between the hollow interior cavity  415  of the handle  410  and each outlet hole  430 ; and an elastomeric button  450  situated on the handle  410  that is configured to pump liquid soap (not shown) through the channel  445  and through the outlet holes  430 . 
     The foregoing embodiments have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. The scope of the invention is to be determined from the claims appended hereto.