A hand-held soap-holder conveniently attached to a bar of soap to prevent the soap from being dropped when wet and slippery, and to provide significantly greater control and maneverability of the soap in normal, vigorous shower use and other bathing situations. The device is easily attached by pressing its base portion firmly onto a wet bar of soap. This action implants relatively small, underlying pegs into the soat and engages relatively small-diameter suction cups securely with the soap surface. A vertical stem portion is gripped comfortably between two adjacent fingers, and the device remains reliably stable during use in the shower, tub-bath, or at sink-side. The base portion includes an outwardly positioned, flexible support-flap, which adjusts to the original shapes and contours of a wide variety of common commercial soaps. The support-flap will continue to adjust to those soaps after they erode and shrink during use-life. The vertical stem is designed to allow a quick and stable exchange of the soap back and forth between hands. The invention also includes embodiments designed specifically for flat-surfaced soaps.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to devices that are attached to a bar of 
soap to aid the user in holding the soap during various bathing 
situations. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
Prior art reveals many soap-holders or other restraining devices as 
solutions to the well-known problem of controlling wet, slippery bar soap 
during bathing. With the exception of the "soap-on-a-rope" concept, none 
has received enduring consumer acceptance, as evident by their absence in 
the current marketplace. Also related to the field are soap-holding 
receptacles designed for storage and/or drainage purposes with the soap at 
static rest. 
Listed below are the following patents relevant to the scope of this 
invention of which this inventor is aware: 
______________________________________ 
Pat. No. 
Patentee Comments 
______________________________________ 
1,787,660 
Blakeley A hand-held soap-holder including a 
1931 finger-clasping band holding the soap 
(issue in the palm, with band incorporated 
year) in the soap at time of soap manufacture; 
2,099,484 
Hokerk A neck-rope partially encased 
1937 within a bar of soap at the time of 
soap manufacture; apparently the 
original "soap-on-a-rope" invention; 
2,194,997 
Butler A hand-held soap-holder in the form of 
1940 a relatively large, single suction cup 
for attaching to a bar of soap, with an 
element to be gripped in the hand; 
2,283,988 
Heath A hand-held soap-holder including 
1942 adjustable jaws for gripping 
various sized bars of soap; 
2,466,502 
Stiller Opposed suction cups on a sheet-form 
1949 used as a wall-mounted attachment device 
for drying soap and as a hand-held 
soap-holder. 
2,770,071 
Endres A hand-held soap-holder consisting of 
1956 an adjustable claw-like mechanical 
device which stores on a hook; 
2,883,791 
Ballo A hand-held soap-holder with an 
1959 elastic band attached and stored 
internally of the soap; incorporated 
at the time of soap manufacture; 
3,071,886 
Stiller An improved version of the Stiller 
1963 patent '502 above allowing convex 
soaps to be attached to a wall- 
mounted pad of opposed suction cups; 
3,100,363 
Staver A hand-held soap-holder incorporated 
1963 at the time of soap manufacture and 
including a stem to be gripped 
between adjacent fingers; 
3,101,567 
Stiller Various wall-mounted devices using 
1963 suction cups for soap attachment and 
incorporating a mechanical means 
for improving suction strength 
3,262,421 
Staver An improved version of the Staver 
1966 patent '363 above with a gripping 
ridge on the soap coupled with an 
improved stem design; 
D.211,888 
Hall & An ornamental design for a soap-holder, 
Milow intended for use as a receptacle for soap 
1968 when not in use; 
3,542,411 
Filas A hand-held soap-holder comprising a 
1970 block-like member for gripping and 
suction cups disposed beneath; 
3,608,853 
Sertich A wall-mounted soap-holder 
1971 incorporating suction cups with a 
means of adjusting to varied soap 
curvatures; 
3,697,111 
Thomp- A hand-held soap-holder incorporating 
son a suction cup, a pointed stud within the 
1972 cup, and a handle member for gripping 
between two fingers; 
4,211,445 
Woods A hand-held soap-holder comprising a 
1980 flexible pad, suction cups, a flexible 
friction surface, and an elongated flexible 
stem for gripping between two fingers; 
572,281 Watwills A sink-side receptacle used for 
(British) 
1945 storing and drying a bar of soap when 
not in use, and including suction 
cavities and a piercing pin for soap 
attachment 
______________________________________ 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The problem of holding a slippery bar of soap during bathing is well known. 
It is a problem that apparently has existed since the time of the Roman 
Empire, when early forms of bar soap are believed to have first appeared. 
The popular modern habit of bathing by shower has served to compound the 
problem. Wet, slippery bar soap can be particularly difficult to handle 
when the user is standing under a shower of water, where the soap is used 
more vigorously and held more precariously, and where speed of cleansing 
is often important. 
Despite the efforts of previous inventors, and considering the limited 
convenience and practicality of "soap-on-a-rope" devices, the current 
marketplace appears void of a single alternative product that consumers 
can turn to. The problem of controlling or dropping the soap while 
showering, or losing the soap while tub-bathing, has received broad 
consumer resignation as an unavoidable nuisance. For many, it is a source 
of real aggravation. 
Study and experimentation has revealed the existence of at least several 
disadvantages in each prior art, and in prior art related to the field, 
with each disadvantage believed to be a potential serious handicap to 
commercial implementation and acceptance. Such disadvantages include, for 
example: 
(1) The absence of an attachment means that effectively accommodates an 
eroding, steadily shrinking bar of soap; 
(2) The absence of a capability, in a single versatile embodiment, to be 
effectively functional with a wide variety of soap shapes and contours; 
(3) The absence of a safe, reliable means for preventing transverse 
movement of the device on the soap surface; 
(4) The absence of a gripping element that (a) allows the gripping fingers 
to adjust in height and (b) allows a quick and stable exchange of the soap 
back and forth between hands; 
(5) The absence of a structural design that is extremely sturdy, yet 
effectively compact. 
Accordingly, this invention overcomes all of these disadvantages and 
others. Further objects and advantages of the invention are: to provide a 
new and improved hand-held soap holding device which is readily 
manufactured and used; to incorporate advantages that allow superior 
performance and reliability in normal, vigorous shower use, as well as 
tub-bath and sink-side use; to provide a device that is safe, easy to 
clean, and convenient to use; to provide a device that is easily 
attachable and detachable by ordinary consumers to commercially available 
bar soaps; and to reduce soap waste by allowing the soap to be used down 
through sizes smaller than can be effectively held in the bare hand. 
A more particular object of the invention is to provide, in a preferred and 
versatile embodiment, a relatively small disk-like pad, or base-pad, of 
resilient, rubber-like material incorporating on one side an array of 
relatively small-diameter suction cups for vacuum attachment to a surface 
of soap. The array is divided into two concentric inner and outer 
arrangements of suction cups. Projecting on the opposite side is an 
elongated stem for comfortable gripping between two adjacent fingers of 
the user's hand. The stem is integral to an underlying, broadened 
support-base, which is centrally located within the base-pad. The 
support-base overlies the inner arrangement of suction cups. Projecting 
from within each suction cup of the inner arrangement is a blunt, 
relatively small peg. 
As the soap-holder is applied to the wet soap by the user, the suction cups 
are evacuated and consequently adhere to the soap surface. At the same 
time, the pegs are implanted into the soap surface, and the device is 
effectively stabilized for use. The soap-holder and the bar of soap are 
essentially integrated and function as a single unit. 
The base-pad includes an outer-portion, or support-flap, which overlies the 
outer arrangement of suction cups, and is free to flex and bend. 
Consequently, the support-flap allows the soap-holder to conform to a wide 
variety of soap shapes and contours, to include oval, convex, concave, 
flat, semi-flat, etc. The support-flap contributes significant attachment 
stability and allows continued attachment to the bar of soap as the bar 
erodes and shrinks during use-life. 
These objects and advantages, together with others, will become apparent 
from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying 
drawings, wherein:

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
With regard to a preferred embodiment, and referring to the drawings, and 
first considering FIGS. 1-7, a hand-held soap-holder is indicated 
generally at 1 and will be applied to a wet bar of soap 2 by pressing 
base-pad 3 of the device onto surface 4 of the bar of soap in the 
direction indicated by direction of arrow 5. The device 1 adheres at the 
bottom side of its base-pad 3 in juxtaposition on the soap as indicated by 
phantom lines in FIG. 1. 
As seen in FIG. 2, and illustrating substantial actual size relationships, 
with the user's hand and fingers depicting an average male adult size, the 
user will place index finger 6 and middle finger 7 in straddling 
relationship about the stem 8 above base-pad 3 and beneath knob 9 of the 
device; this facilitating an auxiliary hand-grasp of the soap between the 
thumb and remaining fingers of the hand. 
A bar of soap is broadly defined to include any relatively solid, or firm, 
erodible cleansing material of generally soap-like character, regardless 
of what other substances it may contain, such as skin cream, skin 
moisturizers, medication, etc. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the soap-holder base-pad 3 comprises a circular, 
disk-like, relatively planar member with a preferred diameter of 
substantially 2.00 inches (or substantially 5.08 centimeters). Depending 
from member 3, as seen in this bottom plan view, is a plentiful array of 
relatively small-diameter suction cups, including an inner circular 
arrangement 10 and an outer circular arrangement 11. Base-pad 3 includes 
an outward support-flap portion 12, which overlies the outer circular 
arrangement of suction cups 11. A relatively small peg 13 projects 
outwardly from within each suction cup of the inner circular arrangement 
of suction cups 10, which includes a suction cup located centrally within 
that arrangement. 
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the device is shown in two enlarged sectional 
views illustrating the results of a preferred injection-molding 
manufacturing process in which stem 8, enlarged knob 9, support-base 16, 
and pegs 13 are constructed as a one-piece, substantially rigid, 
integrated core unit 17. Outer-form 18 is subsequently injection-molded 
while encompassing core unit 17, forming all of the following with the 
same material: base-pad 3 with its support-flap 12 portion; suction cups 
10 and 11; connecting necks 19; and the outer sheaths to stem 8 and knob 
9. It is noted that support-base 16 is, therefore, substantially embedded, 
or encased, within base-pad 3, with the exception of the base-support's 
upper junction with stem 8. 
Core unit 17 is produced as a substantially rigid plastic material that 
resists breakage, cracking, or distortion. Outer-form 18 is constructed of 
a resilient, flexible, rubber-like material that effectively retains those 
properties under long-term exposure to soap and water. 
A two-part injection molding method, as generally described above, with an 
outer-form molded over all, or part, of a core unit, combines the 
advantages of a relatively inexpensive manufacturing process with an end 
result of maximized structural and functional integrity for the 
soap-holder. 
Stem 8, of FIGS. 4 and 5, forms a securing element to be comfortably 
gripped between two adjacent fingers of the user's hand. The stem 
terminates with enlarged knob 9, or stop-portion, which serves to prevent 
stem 8 from inadvertently slipping through the user's fingers. Knob 9 
additionally serves as an effective "push-platform", or abutment portion, 
for use in initially applying the device to the soap through downward 
pressure on the stem. 
Support-base 16 is shown as a centrally-located, circular base-plate which 
serves to stabilize stem 8 by providing a significantly broader base 
diameter and by remaining in relatively close, tight, proximity to the 
surface of soap 20 or soap 21. Forces placed upon stem 8, and acting to 
disengage the device in a generally lateral direction, simultaneously pass 
through support-base 16 to underlying pegs 13, which are implanted, or 
embedded, within the underlying soap. Pegs 13 effectively prevent the 
suction cups from disengaging or slipping in generally lateral directions 
over the soap surface. The stem, therefore, remains in a stable, upright 
position during use. 
Support-base 16 additionally serves to maintain underlying suction cups 10 
in an essentially coplanar, cohesive grouping, allowing the suction cups 
to function essentially as a single unit, resulting in a significant total 
aggregate increase in suction strength. 
Pegs 13 are shown cylindrical in shape, with limited projected length and 
with blunt, smoothly rounded tips. Pegs 13 have been found to be safe and 
harmless if contacting or rubbing against the user's skin, which might 
occur when the attached soap becomes nearly depleted at the end of the 
soap's use-life. The total displacement volume of the portions of the pegs 
implanted is small enough to allow the user to conveniently apply moderate 
pressure to achieve that implantation, without tools and without otherwise 
modifying the soap surface. 
Suction cups 10 and 11, having adhered to the soap surface, serve to 
effectively prevent disengagement in a generally vertical direction from 
the soap surface. The combined prevention of generally vertical and 
lateral disengagement movement, by the suction cups and pegs 13, 
respectively, has the consequential effect of preventing oblique 
disengagement movement (i.e., directional movement falling at some degree 
between vertical and lateral). 
Necks 19, connecting suction cups 10 and 11 to member 3, are essentially 
flexible and compressible in construction, serving to allow slight, but 
significant, pivoting or adjusting of the suction cups, as illustrated in 
FIGS. 4 and 5. With significantly narrower diameters than their connected 
suction cups 10 and 11, the necks serve to focus generally vertical 
disengagement forces toward the center of each evacuated suction cup, 
thereby preserving the critical attachment seal at the circumference of 
the suction cup. When of sufficient height, the necks also serve to 
prevent their connected suctions cups from collapsing backwards and 
adhering to soap residue, which may build up behind the suction cups on 
the underside of the base-pad. 
Necks 19 of the inner circle of suctions cups encompass pegs 13, allowing 
the pegs to serve as stabilizing core elements to the necks, permitting 
the necks to compress and adjust in necessary minute ways, but preventing 
them from wavering or partially flopping beneath support-base 16. An 
additional advantage of encompassing pegs 13 within necks 19 is the 
resulting minimized, free-standing peg projection length outwardly from 
the base-pad. That minimized length, in which an individual peg does not 
openly protrude, or become free-standing, until it extends outwardly from 
within a suction cup, further enhances the safety factor of each peg. 
Further advantage is gained as the suction cup, when compressed against the 
soap surface, effectively shields the underlying, embedded peg and the 
soap adjacently surrounding the peg from the effects of water. This 
shielding delays and minimizes the softening and erosion of that 
surrounding soap, which can gradually, negatively affect embedment 
stability. 
Support-flap 12, lying outwardly from support-base 16, is free to flex and 
bend, and adapt to differing, original shapes and curvatures presented by 
commercial soaps, while providing substantial attachment stability to the 
device, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. As the soap erodes and shrinks 
during use-life, support-flap 12 will continue to adapt and continue to 
provide that stability. At the same time, base-pad 3 will continue to 
serve as an effective, broadened platform for the fingers to rest or press 
upon, when required by the hand's position. FIG. 4 illustrates the device 
when attached to a commercial soap 20 of convex curvature. In FIG. 5, and 
generally indicated at 22, that same device device is shown when attached 
to a commercial soap 21 of concave curvature. 
The embedment, or encasement, of support-base 16 within the material of 
base-pad 3, as exemplified in FIGS. 4 and 5, provides the advantages of a 
water-tight, highly integral functioning of those two members and the 
avoidance of a separate, adhesive construction material to assure that 
functioning. A consequential and most important further advantage is the 
providing of a flex-point 3-a, or primary bending point, located on 
support-flap 12 along its junction with support-base 16, that ruggedly 
resists being structurally loosened or torn away from the support-base. 
The support-flap and embedded support-base, therefore, can remain 
effectively inseparable over the use-life of the device, which may include 
handling or storage abuse by the user, such as hyperflexing, tugging, or 
mashing of the support-flap. 
While support-flap 12 readily accommodates convex and concave soap 
curvatures, and close variations thereof, it also serves as a major 
advantage for use with many commercial flat-surfaced soaps, as exemplified 
by soap 2 in FIG. 1. Flat-surfaced soaps are defined as soaps providing, 
in their original design by the manufacturer, an essentially planar side 
on which the soap-holder is to be attached. 
When used with devices of the invention, flat-surfaced soaps have been 
found to erode more toward their outer margins, or away from the central 
area of planar surface. This gradually results in the original planar 
surface becoming rounded to some degree, particularly toward the middle 
and latter stages of the soap's use-life. This same uneven erosion process 
has been found to also occur when flat-surfaced soaps are used in the bare 
hand (i.e., without a soap-holder). The degree and manner of the erosion 
can vary according to the brand of flat-surfaced soap being used. Whatever 
uncertainties are presented by the gradual disappearance of the original 
planar surface, support-flap 12 has been found to readily adapt to those 
uncertainties. 
Selection of a suitable, resilient, rubber-like construction material, and 
its dimensional thickness, which includes support-flap 12 should 
ultimately result in a correct balance between (1) providing a 
support-flap that contributes substantial attachment support for the 
device during use, and (2) providing a support-flap that continues to 
remain in fixed attachment when the soap is not in use. 
During the gradual drying of the soap between uses, the loss of surface 
liquid or moisture, which had acted as a sealant, greatly weakens the 
bonds between the compressed suction cups and the soap surface. Excessive 
tension, or stiffness, existing in the flexed position of an overlying 
support-flap can then gradually (usually over a period of hours) uplift 
and disengage all, or a portion, of the underlying, outer arrangement of 
suction cups. (This would not apply to an attachment surface of concave 
curvature.) The result is a device that is not effectively and 
conveniently ready for subsequent or next-day use. Consequently, the user 
must then moisten the soap and manually re-compress the suction cups 
underlying the support-flap, or completely detach and then reattach the 
device. 
In the opposite concern, a support-flap with deficient flexing tension, 
while not disengaging those weakened bonds, contributes relatively poorly 
to the attachment support and reliability of the device during use. 
Deficient flexing tension is primarily the result of the support-flap 
material being comparatively overly soft and/or easily stretchable. To 
achieve the major advantage of having a reliable, working soap-holder that 
remains reliably ready for subsequent or next-day use (without the 
nuisance of adjusting or re-attaching the suction cups), the somewhat 
delicate, functional balance between excessive flexing tension and 
deficient flexing tension must be carefully considered in the construction 
of the device. 
A preferred circular, or disk-like, shape of base-pad 3, as shown in FIG. 
3, allows quick, convenient attachment of the soap-holder at the 
approximate center of the soap surface, without orientation to a specific 
direction. This is a significant advantage for a typical user, who might 
lack the patience for a careful alignment of the device on the soap. 
Should the user wish to detach the device from the soap, this can be 
conveniently performed by first pinching and slowly peeling back base-pad 
3 from a point along its outer edge. 
A preferred, substantially 2.00 inch diameter (or substantially 5.08 
centimeters) of base-pad 3 has been found, if incorporated with other 
elements of the invention, to be of ample width to effectively support and 
maintain a wide range of commercial soap sizes, starting with the largest 
and heaviest versions. Additionally, the above described diameter has been 
found to be of ample width to function as an effective finger rest for 
even the larger male adult hand sizes. 
At the same time, the above described diameter has been found to be of 
sufficiently narrow width to effectively minimize possible overhang of 
support-flap 12 beyond the outer peripheries of the soap, particularly 
during the latter stages of the soap's use-life, when the soap becomes 
increasingly narrower. Consequently, this minimized overhang prevents, or 
greatly limits, support-flap 12, and underlying suction cups 11, from 
rubbing the skin surface in a manner disrupting the smooth, controlled use 
of the device. 
The previously described concentric inner and outer arrangements of suction 
cups allow for maximum effective use of the limited space available for 
suction cup construction beneath their respective overlying circular 
members (i.e., support-base 16 and support-flap 12). While necessarily 
maintaining necks 19 of flex-point 3-a, adjacent to the circular junction 
of the support-base and support-flap, these concentric arrangements 
additionally provide effective omni-directional support against stresses 
transferred from the centrally located stem 8. 
Referring again to stem 8, the rounded shape of its length provides a 
comfortable gripping element at any orientation to the fingers. 
Additionally, the stem is preferably textured, ribbed, or otherwise 
constructed along its length to prevent possible uncontrolled rotational 
slippage of member 8 between the fingers, due to water or soap residue. 
Some slight, but controlled, rotational movement, however, has been found 
to be a desirable feature of stem 8, as the soap-holder is maneuvered over 
different contours of the body. 
The significantly elongated, unbending construction of stem 8, as shown in 
FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIGS. 4 and 5, creates an essentially vertical 
"travel-portion" for the fingers on the stem, thereby providing a major 
functional advantage by allowing a range of gripping heights by the two 
adjacent gripping fingers. This range permits the hand to raise, lower, 
and consequently angle its position relative to the underlying soap. The 
general diameter, or width, or any variance thereof, along the stem is 
such that the two gripping fingers remain in comfortable straddling 
position while easily utilizing the "travel-portion". The varied gripping 
heights, which include slight or subtle differences, allow the hand 
significantly more control and maneuverability, as required by different 
reaches of the arm and hand at different areas of the body, and by changes 
in soap size during use-life. This control and maneuverability is of 
particular advantage when the user is in a standing shower situation. 
Another, and equally advantageous, function of the "travel-portion" is its 
use as a "target" and exchange point during the ambidexterity process in 
which the soap is repeatedly, and often rapidly, exchanged between the 
user's hands. The process (with or without the use of a soap-holder) has 
been found to be a significant, normally subconscious, event that is most 
common in the shower. The process is often performed in a "blind" manner, 
in which the user does not look directly at the exchange, or, because of 
water and/or steam in the air, the user cannot effectively see the 
exchange. The prominent, unbending, omni-directional accessibility of the 
"travel-portion" of rounded stem 8 allows a quick and stable exchange, 
without awkwardness or hesitation. 
The design of stem 8 is specifically intended for use as a gripping element 
between two, straddling, adjacent fingers of the user's hand, within, or 
generally toward, the crotch of those fingers. Improper use of the stem 
during bathing, as, for example, by holding onto knob 9 and using the stem 
as a mere extension member is likely to provide less efficient use and to 
destablilize support-base 16. 
Devices of the invention might include alternative members that vary 
greatly from stem 8 in general shape and design. For certain situations, a 
relatively short stem, with an essentially snug fit of the user's adjacent 
fingers between the base-pad and the knob, might be utilized. Such a stem 
could be suitable, for example, during a leisurely tub-bath or during 
sink-side use, without the advantages of varied gripping heights and quick 
ambidexterity of use. Another alternative might resemble a closed-loop, 
which could be utilized for insertion by the middle finger, with presure 
against the loop provided by fingers to either side of that middle finger. 
Also, for example, a relatively long, gripping member, including a 
"travel-portion", might extend upwardly at an oblique angle and terminate 
with a Y-shaped stop-portion. 
With regard to a primary attachment method of the invention, and referring 
to FIG. 6 an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of FIGS. 4 and 5 is 
shown generally at 23. Two small-diameter suctions cups 10 are shown in 
relaxed state before they are attached to the wet surface of soap 24. When 
pressure is applied through base-support 16 in the direction of arrow 25, 
and now referring to FIG. 7, pegs 13 are implanted within soap 24. At the 
same time, surrounding suction cups 10 are essentially evacuated of air 
within and adhere to the soap surface. A vacuum chamber 26 may occur 
centrally within each compressed suction cup. 
A preferred compressed diameter size for the suction cups in the device of 
FIGS. 1-7, is substantially 0.36 inch (or substantially 0.91 centimeter). 
A preferred range of compressed diameter sizes to be considered for a 
majority of other devices of this invention, depending largely on the 
specific configuration of each suction cup array, falls substantially 
between 0.20 inch (or 0.51 centimeter) and 0.50 inch (or 1.27 
centimeters). The term "compressed diameter" is a measurment of the 
maximum width of a flattened cup during effectively full compression 
against a firm, flat surface. 
The manufactured concave, or cup-like, feature of a suction cup in a 
relaxed state, as shown in FIG. 6, may eventually become distorted after 
prolonged compression against soap surfaces. This distortion, which can 
vary in degree depending on original design and/or the material used in 
its construction, may render the suction cup permanently more saucer-like 
or virtually flat in shape in its relaxed state (i.e., when not compressed 
against a soap surface). Nevertheless, such distortion has not been found 
to necessarily be a disadvantage in the effective functioning of the 
suction cup. Devices of the invention may include suction cups, which, 
unlike FIG. 6, are originally manufactured in that more saucer-like shape 
or virtually flat shape. They may also include suction cups that deviate 
from the standard circular shape when compressed. 
In summary of FIGS. 1-7, a device of the invention is shown that is 
extremely sturdy and compact in construction, and versatile in its 
compatibility to a wide range of common commercial soaps of different 
sizes, shapes, and contours. The device can be attached quickly and easily 
to a bar of soap, without orientation to a specific direction. When used 
correctly, the device allows a high degree of attachment reliability, 
ranging from the rigors of shower use to the more docile sink-side use, as 
the soap evolves in size through its use-life. 
Illustrating another preferred embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 8-10, 
and referring specifically to FIG. 8, a soap-holder is shown generally at 
27 which is designed for use exclusively with certain flat-surfaced soaps. 
Support-base 28 is of substantially rigid, unbending construction and is 
rectangular in shape and comparatively narrow in width. In the absence of 
one or more support-flaps, the elongation of support-base 28, with a 
correspondingly extended underlying suction cup configuration, provides 
increased attachment support. Not suited for all flat-surfaced soaps, this 
device is designed for those flat-surfaced soaps which, due to qualities 
of their ingredients, erode more uniformly, absorb less water, and remain 
generally firmer and sturdier during use. 
Stem 30 of this embodiment, with knob 31, are of similar function and 
material construction as corresponding members in the device of FIGS. 1-7. 
The stem includes longitudinal ribbing 32, which serves to reduce slippage 
between the gripping fingers, yet allows some desired rotational movement 
of the stem. The general degree of elongation as shown on stem 30 provides 
a prominent exchange point during the previously described ambidexterity 
process. Arrow 33 and angle lines 34 serve to illustrate a relatively wide 
angle of aim available for the non-gripping hand as one of several 
possible exchange techniques is initiated. 
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 8 in which rows of suction cups 29 
project outwardly from support-base 28. Projecting outwardly from within 
suction cups 29 of a portion of the configuration are pegs 35. The 
support-base, suction cups, and pegs are of similar function and material 
construction as related members described in FIGS. 1-7. Stem 30, elongated 
support-base 28, and pegs 35 function as a substantially rigid unit, along 
the relatively narrow attachment plane extending longitudinally and 
centrally on the soap surface. 
Similar to the device described in FIGS. 1-7, a preferred construction 
method for this embodiment would involve a one-piece, molded core unit 
including the stem, the support-base, and the pegs, with a one-piece 
molded outer-form essentially serving as a rubber-like covering, or 
sheath, and providing the suction cup constructions. 
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary end view of FIG. 8 showing the relatively narrow 
width of support-base 28 with overlying stem 30 and underlying suction 
cups 29 with connecting necks 36. Carefully aligned centrally along the 
soap's length, the support-base, with a preferred width of substantially 
1.00 inch (or 2.54 centimeters), would remain slightly inside and away 
from any major erosion, or rounding, occurring toward the soap's lateral 
margins. 
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, and first considering FIG. 11, a soap-holder 
is generally indicated at 37 in a gripping position by the user's hand, 
and attached to underlying soap 38, while being maneuvered over skin 
surface 39 of the user's body. Soap-holder 37 is of similar function and 
material construction as the device described in FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 11 shows 
soap 38 in its new, original condition, while FIG. 12 shows the same soap 
(now 38a) nearing the final stages of its use-life after numerous showers. 
The use of the essentially vertical "travel-portion" 40 of the elongated 
stem is demonstrated in part by a comparison of the hand positions in 
FIGS. 11 and 12. The user's hand in FIG. 11 is required to be generally 
cupped, with fingers extended at downward angles to contact and grip the 
soap. This general position has been found to be important in allowing the 
user to control and maneuver the relatively larger size and weight of 
soaps in their new, original condition and during early stages of 
use-life. 
FIG. 12 shows a common hand position required when soap 38a has been 
greatly reduced from original size, when its original outer portions have 
disappeared. The center of gravity of the device and integrated soap, as a 
functioning unit, has greatly altered; the user's hand is now in 
relatively flat position with the fingers extended essentially 
horizontally; and the fingers and palm have been brought to direct or 
closer proximity to the support-base for more subtle control of the 
smaller soap 38a over skin surface 39. 
A preferred range of lengths to be considered for the "travel-portion" of 
the device of FIGS. 11 and 12 falls substantially between 1.10 inches (or 
2.79 centimeters) and 1.60 inches (or 4.06 centimeters). The length of a 
"travel-portion" refers to the degree of elongation on the stem that 
provides the advantages as previously described and illustrated in the 
above embodiments of the invention. Dimensions within the above range have 
been found to effectively accommodate virtually all hand sizes, ranging up 
to large-size male adult hands, in a manner allowing those previously 
described advantages. For manufacturing and commercial practicality, it is 
possible within the above range to establish several specific, averaged 
"travel-portion" lengths in which the device might be sold, for example, 
in sizes marked simply as large, medium, and small. 
Referring to FIGS. 13-15, and first to FIG. 13, another embodiment of the 
invention is indicated generally at 41. The members of this device are 
essentially similar in function and material construction as related 
members in the device of FIGS. 1-7, with several significant differences. 
As shown in FIG. 13, those differences include the use of a base-pad 42 
which includes two, separate, flexible support-flaps 43a and 43b extending 
outwardly on opposite sides of support-base 44, which has a relatively 
long, narrow dimension. Suction cups 45 depend from the bottom side of the 
device, and an elongated stem 46, with knob 47 and longitudinal ribbing 
48, extends upwardly from support-base 44. While a preferred manufacturing 
method for this embodiment would include a two-part injection molding, 
similar to that described for the device of FIGS. 1-7, alternative 
methods, including substantial piece-by-piece assembly, might be used. 
The bottom plan view of the same device, shown in FIG. 14, indicates 
support-base 44 within phantom lines, with support-flaps 43a and 43b 
extending outwardly of the support-base on opposite sides of base-pad 42. 
Small-diameter suction cups 45 encompass pegs 49 as indicated. FIG. 15 is 
a fragmentary, front elevation of FIG. 13 with the user's two adjacent 
fingers indicated in phantom circles 50 while straddling stem 46. 
Support-base 44 lies within base-pad 42, while suction cups 45 and necks 
51 depend downwardly from beneath the device. Soap 52 remains attached to 
a centrally located portion of the suction cup array while being applied 
to the user's skin 53. Soap 52, which is shown in the very final stages of 
its use-life, represents a tiny remnant of what was originally a 
relatively heavy, "family size" bar of soap, which commonly weigh about 7 
ounces (or 198 grams). 
The design of base-pad 42 in FIGS. 13-15 the soap-holder's attachment 
stability and reliability with flat-surfaced soaps by incorporating the 
major advantage of an elongated support-base combined with dual-sided 
support-flaps. As with the device of FIGS. 8-10, proper attachment of this 
embodiment to the soap would require a centered longitudinal placement by 
the user. 
FIG. 16 shows a soap-holder in narrow, fragmentary, elevated view indicated 
generally at 54 with support-base 55, suction cups 56, and necks 57. Stem 
58 is shown as a three-section, extension element that is extendable 
(i.e., telescopic) and compressible in design. Knob 59 serves as a 
previously described stop-portion. When fully compressed, or collapsed, in 
the direction indicated by arrows 60, the two upper sections 61a and 61b 
are enclosed within the bottom section 61c, with knob 59 indicated by 
phantom line 62. When fully extended, stem 58 is locked and secured in 
position through the use of small internal flanges and ribbing, which will 
also provide intermediate locking positions. Advantages of the device of 
FIG. 16 include its compact use for travel or storage purposes and 
allowing the stem's length to be "fitted" for the user's individual hand 
size, which would include utilization of the previously described 
"travel-portion". 
FIGS. 17 and 18 demonstrate a soap-holder of the invention intended for use 
with soaps that have been manufactured, or modified, to accept the device. 
That modification, as shown, can include an opening, or hole, centrally 
located in the soap surface which would accept the implanting, or 
insertion, of a small, projecting post on the bottom side of the device. 
FIG. 17, a bottom plan view of the soap-holder indicated generally at 63, 
shows projecting post 64 located centrally on base-pad 65. Small-diameter 
suction cups 66 are similar in function and material construction to 
suction cups in previously described embodiments. Support-base 67 is 
indicated within circular phantom line and is similar in function and 
material construction as related members in previously described 
embodiments. Lying outwardly of the support-base is flexible, rubber-like 
support-flap 68, which fully encompasses the support-base and performs 
similar functions as related members previously described. 
Referring to FIG. 18, a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, elevated, sectional 
view shown generally at 69, includes the substantially rigid projecting 
post 64, shown implanted within opening 71, or hole, which is indicated 
between phantom lines 72. Suction cups 66 depend from a portion of 
base-pad 65 and are attached to the surface of soap 70. With that 
implantation, the projecting post 64, which is integral to overlying 
support-base 67, can serve a function similar to the pegs of previously 
described embodiments, that being to effectively prevent lateral slipping 
of the device on the soap surface. While post 64, as illustrated, should 
effectively fulfill that function, more than one post might be used. 
Post 64 is of generally cylindrical shape and terminates in a blunt, 
rounded tip, so designed as to be safe and harmless if contacting or 
rubbing against the user's skin. The size of the post, significantly 
larger than the previously described pegs, prevents the post from being 
effectively and conveniently implanted within the surface of a soap that 
has not been manufactured, or modified, as indicated. Opening 71, as 
shown, is formed in the soap manufacturing process, or can be created by 
the soap user with the aid, for example, of a small drilling, or twisting, 
hand-tool designed specially for that purpose. 
Preferably, the opening would extend through the entire width of the soap, 
which would allow attachment, or re-attachment, of the soap-holder to 
either side of the soap. Additionally, a relatively small insert, made of 
plastic or other suitable material, might first be placed within opening 
71 to accept the post and reinforce the hole. Such an insert could allow 
the post to lock into position by twisting or otherwise securing within 
the insert. 
The opening, in cross-section, could be round, oval, square, X-shaped, 
slot-like, or of other shape that would accept a correspondingly shaped 
post projecting from the bottom side of the soap-holder. A significant 
commercial advantage of the device of FIGS. 17 and 18 would be in its sale 
and use only for specifically intended soaps (i.e., those with a 
corresponding opening). 
FIG. 19, indicated generally at 73, illustrates a bottom plan view of 
another embodiment. Support-flap 74 and an underlying outer concentric 
arrangement of suction cups 75 lie outwardly from the base-support 76, 
indicated within circular phantom line. An inner arrangement of suction 
cups 77 and pegs 78 directly underlie the base-support. Pegs 78 are 
free-standing and, unlike previously described pegs, are not encompassed 
by suction cups or connecting necks. The embodiment is used in essentially 
the same manner, and constructed of the same materials, as previously 
described similar embodiments. An advantage of the device of FIG. 19 is 
the permitting of a simplified manufacturing process, to include 
hand-crafted assembly, in which the construction of pegs within 
small-diameter suction cups, a comparatively exacting procedure, could be 
avoided. 
FIG. 20 illustrates still another embodiment of the invention indicated 
generally at 79 and similar in function and material construction as the 
device of FIGS. 1-7, with one major addition. Corresponding to FIG. 3 and 
its bottom plan view, FIG. 20 shows the additional construction of a 
plurality of thread-like filaments 80, indicated by phantom lines, 
extending longitudinally and outwardly from anchored positions within 
base-support 81, indicated within circular phantom line. Filaments 80 
continue internally through support-flap 82 and terminate in disk-like 
filament portions 84, which are in anchored positions overlying suction 
cups 83 of the outer concentric arrangement. Pegs 85, within the inner 
arrangement of suction cups, correspond to the pegs of FIG. 3. 
Filaments 80 and filament portions 84 are constructed of a suitable 
material, such as a nylon or fiber-glass, which has the characteristic of 
being easily flexed, or bent, but, at the same time, remains essentially 
non-elastic, or resistant to stretching, beyond its original length. While 
shown as thread-like in FIG. 20, the filament members may also be designed 
as generally ribbon-like or strip-like in construction and may be 
integrally situated above, below, or internally within the support-base 
and support-flap. 
While integral to support-flap 82, filaments 80 do not interfere with the 
support-flap's necessary ability to properly flex and bend and conform to 
the underlying soap surface. However, the non-elastic quality of the 
filaments effectively prevents stretching of the support-flap area between 
the support-base and any portion of the outer arrangement of suction cups. 
The absence of such stretching creates an improved, mutually stabilizing 
link between base-support 81 and outer suction cups 83, thereby further 
enhancing the functional reliability of the device. 
A full and complete description of the invention has been disclosed in 
accordance with the Statutory requirements; it is to be understood that 
the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. 
Accordingly, modifications may be resorted to without departing from the 
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.