Finger scrubber

A finger scrubber including a brush sleeve and an electrically powered base or body is presented herein. The brush sleeve includes a generally cylindrical configuration cooperatively sized to accommodate a user's finger therein. One or more brush components suitable to scrub or clean a finger are disposed on the inside of the brush sleeve. Furthermore, the body, and in particular, a drive assembly is structure to cooperatively engage the brush sleeve and rotationally drive the brush sleeve via selective activation of a switch or activation assembly. Moreover, the drive assembly is configured to rotationally drive the brush sleeve in alternating rotational directions via successive activations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a scrubbing or cleaning device, and in particular, to an electrically operated finger scrubber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basic hygiene requires constant cleaning or washing of the hands and fingers, particularly for those individuals who work in industrial environments and are often exposed to dirty and greasy machinery, automobiles, and the like. While a variety of different cleaning products exist and have been around for many years, a problem often encountered is the difficulty of removing dirt, grease and grime in the areas of the fingernails, knuckles and cuticles. For instance, while a typical hand wash in a sink may eliminate some of the dirt, grease and grime on the larger surfaces of the hands, such as on the palm of the hand or on the back of the hand, it is often extremely difficult to remove dirt, grease and grime at or near the fingernails, under the fingernails, and near the cuticles and knuckles.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device that can be used to aid in the removal of dirt, grease and grime, and other contaminants, on a user's fingers, and in particular, at or near the fingernail, knuckles and cuticle locations. The proposed device may include a tubular or cylindrical brush sleeve with a plurality of bristles or brushing components disposed on the interior thereof. The brush sleeve may be sized to accommodate the insertion of one or more fingers therein during operation while the bristles or brushing components contact or engage the surface of the finger(s). A bottom brush may also be included at the base or inside distal end of the brush sleeve for cleaning or engaging the tip of the finger or under the fingernail, for example. An electrically powered body or base may interconnect with the brush sleeve and rotationally move the brush sleeve around the user's finger during operation, thereby engaging the surfaces of the finger with the bristles as the brush sleeve moves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a finger scrubber, and in some embodiments includes a brush sleeve and an electrically powered base or body. For instance, the brush sleeve of one embodiment may include a generally cylindrical or tubular configuration cooperatively sized to accommodate a user's finger therein. One or more brush components, for example, a plurality of bristles, scrubbing surfaces, or other surfaces or components suitable to scrub or clean a finger, are disposed on the inside of the brush sleeve. Specifically, the brush sleeve may include one or more lateral or side brushes that extend along the inner surface of the side wall of the brush sleeve and/or one or more bottom or distal brushes that is positioned at or near the base or inner distal end of the brush sleeve.

In some embodiments, the brush(es) may be removed from the brush sleeve for easy cleaning or replacement. For instance, there may be different brushes with different abrasive features or qualities such that one brush may include more rigid bristles that can generally be used as a deep abrasive scrub, while another brush can include softer bristles for use as a softer massaging scrub.

Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the body or base may cooperatively engage the brush sleeve and rotationally drive the brush sleeve via selective activation of a switch or activation assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the activation assembly may be activated via a slight pressure exerted by the brush sleeve, e.g., when a user places his or her finger in the brush sleeve and slightly presses inward toward the distal end. This will start a small AC motor or other drive assembly configured to rotate the brush sleeve about a longitudinal axis. Releasing the inward pressure may, in some embodiments, release the activation assembly and deactivate the motor.

It should also be noted that in some embodiments, the drive assembly may be configured to rotationally drive the brush sleeve in alternating directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise directions). As an example, activating the drive assembly (e.g., via the slight inward pressure) may cause the drive assembly to rotationally drive the brush sleeve in one direction. Releasing the inward pressure will stop the rotation. Activating the drive assembly again, e.g., by again applying a slight inward pressure, will, in some embodiments, cause the drive assembly to rotationally drive the brush sleeve in an opposite direction.

During operation, the user may place an amount of desired soap, degreaser, or other solution (including, for example, hand lotion) into the brush sleeve to aid in the operation of the device, as desired.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference toFIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a scrubbing device, such as a finger scrubber, generally referenced as10. Specifically, the device or scrubber10of the various embodiments provides a manner in which a user can easily clean or scrub his or her hands, and in particular, his or her fingers, including in areas at or near the fingernails, knuckles and cuticles which are often hard to clean without the use of the present invention.

Particularly, still referring to the exploded view represented inFIG. 1, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a brush sleeve20and a body portion40. For instance, the brush sleeve20of one embodiment will cooperatively engage with the body portion40, and will rotate, for example about a longitudinal axis A. As will be described herein, the brush sleeve20includes one or more brush components30(e.g., bristles, scrubbers, or abrasive surface(s) suitable for scrubbing or cleaning a surface) disposed within an interior portion25thereof. Accordingly, a user may place his or her finger(s) within the interior portion25of the brush sleeve20, and while the brush sleeve20rotates, for example about or around axis A, the brush components30will contact the user's finger(s) for purposes of scrubbing or cleaning. If desired, the user may place an amount of hand cleaner, soap, degreaser, or other solution, etc. within the brush sleeve20to aid or assist in the removal of dirt, grime and grease, for example, from the user's finger(s).

Specifically, in at least one embodiment, the brush sleeve20comprises an elongated cylindrical or tubular configuration with an at least partially open proximal end21and an oppositely disposed closed end29defining an interior portion25there between. Other configurations, shapes and sizes are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention. In any event, as briefly mentioned above, the brush sleeve20of at least one embodiment, includes one or more brush components30disposed with the interior portion25for eventual contact with a user's finger(s) or hand(s). It should be noted that the brush components30may include virtually any brush, bristles, scrubbers, sponges, abrasive surfaces or other surfaces or devices suitable to clean or scrub a user's finger(s), hand(s), etc. within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the brush or scrubbing components30may include side or lateral brushes or bristles32disposed along an interior portion of the side wall(s)22, for instance, between the proximal end21and the distal end29of the brush sleeve20. These side or lateral brushes or bristles32may extend generally inward from the inner surface of the side wall(s)22, as shown, for example, in the sectional view ofFIG. 3.

Additionally, some embodiments may include one or more bottom brushes or bristles34that are disposed at or near the inner surface of the closed or distal end29of the brush sleeve20. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the base or bottom brush(es) or bristle(s)34may extend from the inner surface of the distal end29or distal wall28of the brush sleeve20, as generally shown inFIG. 3. In this manner, as the user places his or her finger within the brush sleeve20, for example, through the open or proximal end21, the base or bottom brush(es) or bristle(s)34may function to clean or scrub the user's finger(s) at or near the fingertips and cuticles, while the lateral or side brush(es) or bristle(s)32may function to clean or scrub the sides of the user's finger.

In certain embodiments, the brush component(s)30may be removably disposed or removably attached to the brush sleeve20, for example, in order to easily clean or replace the brush components30, as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the brush sleeve20may include one or more retention channels26, for instance, disposed on the inner surface of the one or more side walls22. With reference to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2, retention channels26may be radially or otherwise disposed around the inner surface of side wall22and are defined by spaced apart protrusions27and/or ledges28. Particularly, in at least one embodiment protrusions27extend outward from the inner surface of the side wall22and terminate with one or more ledges28, as shown inFIG. 2. In this manner, adjacent protrusions27and/or the corresponding ledges28of at least one embodiment define a retention channel26disposed there between.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the brush component(s)30may include a base35which is cooperatively structured and configured to be disposed within the retention channel(s)26, for example, in a sliding engagement. Particularly, the brush component(s)30of at least one embodiment may be slidingly disposed within the retention channel(s)26by inserting a base35of the brush component30into the retention channel26, for example, at the open or proximal end21of the brush sleeve20, and sliding the base35of the brush component30into the retention channel26such that the brush component30becomes cooperatively engaged to the interior wall of the brush sleeve20, as shown inFIG. 2.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the base35of the brush components30may be constructed of a partially flexible material, including, but not limited to a soft or flexible plastic, rubber, or resin material. This can allow the brush components30to easily conform to or mold to the shape of the cylindrical or tubular brush sleeve20. Other embodiments may include a pre-formed and partially rigid brush component30that is cooperatively configured to slide or otherwise be disposed within the retention channel(s)26. In any event, with the bush component(s)30in place within the brush sleeve20, the bristles or other scrubbing surface of the brush component30will extend outward from the interior wall and into the interior portion25of the brush sleeve20.

In certain embodiments, the retention channels26may extend substantially along the length of the brush sleeve20, for example, substantially from the proximal open end21to the opposite distal end29. This can allow the side or lateral brush(es)32to slidingly engage within the retention channel(s)26substantially along the length of the brush sleeve20, as well as allowing the bottom brush34to slidingly engage with the same retention channel(s)26.

For example, the bottom brush component34may also be removably disposed within the brush sleeve20in a similar manner, for example, by positioning cooperatively structured and configured base portions (not shown) of the bottom brush through one or more cooperative retention channels26, and pushing or positioning the bottom brush component34to the inner surface of the distal end29of the brush sleeve20. For example, the bottom brush34may include an outer peripheral edge (not shown) that include cooperative base portions or configurations such that the base portions will fit within all of the retention channels26on the inner surface of side wall22. This can allow the entire bottom brush34to be pushed all the way down to the bottom of the brush sleeve30.

It should be noted that other retention channels and cooperative engagements between the one or more brush components30of the various embodiments of the present invention are contemplated, and the retention channels26and base portion35shown inFIG. 2should be considered exemplary in nature.

Turning back to the exploded view ofFIG. 1, the scrubber10of at least one embodiment further includes a body40with which the brush sleeve20cooperatively engages or is otherwise connected. For instance, in one embodiment, the body40may include a base42and a sleeve housing46extending from the base42. The sleeve housing46is cooperatively configured to receive the brush sleeve20therein, and in some embodiments, a retention cap12may be disposed over the open proximal end21of the brush sleeve20and connect to the sleeve housing46. Particularly, in one embodiment, the brush sleeve20may be coaxially disposed within the sleeve housing46of the body40, as generally illustrated in the exploded view ofFIG. 1. The retention cap12may snap, screw or otherwise removably secure to a proximal end of the sleeve housing46in order to retain the brush sleeve20therein. As will be described herein, in certain embodiments, the brush sleeve20will be rotationally driven within the sleeve housing46, for example, via an interconnected drive assembly50. The retention cap12of certain embodiments may thus function to maintain the brush sleeve20and the brush components30within the sleeve housing46during operation of the present invention.

It should be noted that certain embodiments may not include a sleeve housing46such that the brush sleeve20may be interconnected, either removably or fixedly, to the base42. In such an embodiment, the brush sleeve20will rotate about longitudinal axis A relative to the base20, rather than within a cooperatively structured sleeve housing46.

In any event, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a drive assembly50structured and disposed to engage the brush sleeve20and at least temporarily drive the brush sleeve20in a rotational manner, for example, within the sleeve housing46. For example,FIG. 4shows a top down cut-away view of the base42or motor housing portion44thereof illustrating a schematic representation of a drive assembly50as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment. For instance, at least a portion of the drive assembly50may be housed or retained within a motor housing portion46of the base42, which may be secured to base42via one or more screws or other attachment members14.

Further, still referring toFIG. 4, at least one embodiment of the drive assembly50may include an electric or other motor56interconnected to an activation assembly52and a power source51. The power source51may include a power cable or cord, as illustrated, which obtains electrical power or current from an outlet, for example. Other embodiments may include one or more batteries as the power source or as an additional power source.

Moreover, the motor56of certain embodiments may include virtually any motor cooperatively structured to rotationally drive the brush sleeve20of the various embodiments disclosed herein. In some implementations, the motor56may include a reversible motor structured to rotationally dispose in alternating or opposite rotational directions, as described in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

For example, when the motor56is selectively activated, as will be described herein, the drive assembly50at least one embodiment is structured to engage the brush sleeve20and rotationally dispose the brush sleeve20about or around a longitudinal axis A, for example, in a first direction indicated by directional arrow D1. In some embodiments, the next time the drive assembly50is activated, the drive assembly50will rotationally dispose the brush sleeve20about the longitudinal axis A in a direction opposite to the previous direction, for example, as indicated by directional arrow D2. Thus, as the drive assembly50is successively activated, as will be described herein, the drive assembly50of at least one embodiment is structured to dispose the brush sleeve20in successive alternating rotational directions.

For instance, in at least one embodiment, the activation assembly52is structured to selectively activate the drive assembly50, and in particular, the motor56thereof, for selectively disposing the brush sleeve20in the rotational manner. Referring to the partial cut-away and schematic view ofFIG. 5, the activation assembly52may be selectively activated upon exertion of a downward pressure or a force indicated by directional arrow D3. For example, in use, a user may place his or her finger within the brush sleeve20, e.g., through the open proximal end21, and lightly press or push the brush sleeve20in a direction parallel to the axis A or otherwise toward the activation assembly52, as indicated by directional arrow D3. By doing so, the brush sleeve20of at least one embodiment will contact or engage the activation assembly52and activate the drive assembly50or motor56thereof. Thus, in at least one embodiment, there is not an external switch or on/off button that activates and/or deactivates the drive assembly50. Rather, the internally disposed activation assembly52which is engaged or contacted by the brush sleeve20when pressure is exerted thereupon will serve to activate and deactivate the drive assembly50.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the drive assembly50is structured to continuously rotate or drive the brush sleeve20while a continuous pressure or force is exerted upon the activation assembly52, for example, in direction of arrow D3. Thus, while a user pushes downward on the brush sleeve20, or pushes on the brush sleeve20in the direction of the activation assembly52, the drive assembly50will continuously drive or rotate the brush sleeve20. Releasing the pressure or force in direction D3, will serve to release the activation assembly52and thereby deactivate the drive assembly50. Thus, releasing the pressure or force upon the activation assembly52of at least one embodiment will stop the rotational movement of the brush sleeve20.

Accordingly, use of at least one embodiment may include inserting a finger into the brush sleeve20and applying pressure upon the activation assembly52, for example, by pushing the brush sleeve20along the axis A. While holding the pressure upon the activation assembly52, the drive assembly50will drive the brush sleeve20in a rotational manner in one direction, for example, in direction D1. Releasing the pressure upon the activation assembly52will serve to deactivate the drive assembly50and stop the rotational movement of the brush sleeve20. Applying pressure again to the activation assembly52of one embodiment will cause the drive assembly to drive the brush sleeve20in a rotational manner in an opposite direction, for example, in direction D2. The alternating directions D1, D2of at least one embodiment will continue with each successive activations of the drive assembly50.

It should be noted that in certain embodiments or implementations, rather than requiring a continuous force or pressure in direction D3or upon the activation assembly52to maintain the rotational movement of the brush sleeve20, as described immediately above, some embodiments may be configured such that a tap on the activation assembly52will cause the drive assembly to activate and/or deactivate. Some further embodiments may, upon activation of the drive assembly50(whether via a tap or constant pressure) automatically deactivate the drive assembly50after a certain predetermined amount of time.

Referring again to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5, the activation assembly52may extend at least partially within the sleeve housing46for a cooperative and selective engagement with the brush sleeve20. For example, in one embodiment, the activation assembly52may include a plunger or activation rod53extending at least partially into the sleeve housing46and into the base42where the drive assembly50is housed. The plunger or activation rod53may be engaged or contacted by the distal end29of the brush sleeve20, for example, when pressure is applied in direction D3. Upon contact or engagement between the plunger53and the distal end29of the brush sleeve20, the plunger53will extend onto a contact switch53′ of the drive assembly50, as shown inFIG. 4, for example. In at least one embodiment, while the plunger53engages or contacts the contact switch53′, the contact switch53′ will be activated, thereby activating the drive assembly50.

Some embodiment may include a spring or other biasing mechanism attached to the plunger53, for example, in order to normally dispose the plunder53in an non-activated state, or otherwise normally away from or disengaged from the contact switch53′. Thus, when pressure is released from the plunger53, the plunger53will automatically bias away from the contact switch53′ and automatically deactivate the drive assembly.

Other embodiments may include a plunger53or rod fixedly attached to the distal end29of the brush sleeve20, such that pressure or force exerted in direction D3will cause the plunger53to engage a contact switch53′ and activate the drive assembly50in a similar manner. Other plungers and activations assemblies are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

Additionally, still referring toFIG. 5, in certain embodiments, the brush sleeve20is rotationally driven, for example, within the sleeve housing46, via a cooperative engagement between a portion of the drive assembly50, such as a rotational drive mechanism57, and a cooperatively structured drive engagement portion27of the brush sleeve20. For instance, in at least one embodiment, the brush sleeve20includes a drive engagement portion27disposed at or near the distal end29thereof which is engaged by a cooperatively structured rotational drive mechanism57of the drive assembly50.

For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the rotational drive mechanism57includes a portion of the drive assembly50that extends into the sleeve housing46and engages the brush sleeve20, and in particular, the drive engagement portion27thereof. In this embodiment, the drive engagement portion27of the brush sleeve20is a recessed portion on the distal end20of the brush sleeve20that cooperatively fits over and is engaged by the rotational drive mechanism57of the drive assembly50. As an example, the rotational drive mechanism57may include a square, octagonal or other shaped nut or drive mechanism, and similarly, the drive engagement portion27may include a cooperatively configured square, octagonal or other shaped recess. Thus, when the drive assembly50is activated, the rotational drive mechanism57thereof is rotationally disposed, for example, within the sleeve housing46. With the brush sleeve20, and in particular, the recessed portion or drive engagement portion27thereof, cooperatively engaged with the rotational drive mechanism57, the brush sleeve20will also rotate accordingly.

Other cooperative engagements between the brush sleeve20and the drive assembly50are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention, and thus, the rotational drive mechanism57and the cooperatively structured recessed portion or drive engagement portion27described herein should be consisted exemplary in nature.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, yet another embodiment of the brush sleeve20is illustrated. For example, in this embodiment, the brush sleeve20includes an elongated attachment rod60extending externally, and in many cases, coaxially (e.g., along axis A), from the distal end29of the brush sleeve20. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the elongated attachment rod60may be structured to fit into or attach to a driving source, such as a power tool, power screwdriver or power drill65. The power tool may be cordless and operate via rechargeable batteries, allowing the invention to operate in cases where power outlets may not be readily available. In this manner, the power tool65may be used to grip the elongated attachment rod60, similar to the way in which the power tool is configured to grip a drill bit or other attachment. Use of the power tool65will thus include rotationally driving the attached brush sleeve20in a rapid fashion.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A and 9Billustrate yet another embodiment of the brush components30that can be cooperatively disposed within the brush sleeve20. For example,FIG. 8Aillustrates a side elevation view of the bottom or distal brush component34of one embodiment, andFIG. 8Billustrates a side elevation view of the side or lateral brush component32. Similarly,FIG. 9Aillustrates a top view of the bottom or distal brush component34andFIG. 9Billustrates a top view of the side or lateral brush component32.

Particularly, the bottom or distal brush component34of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 9Aincludes a plurality of bristles36or other scrubbing components attached to a base35. The base35may be constructed of a partially flexible material, including, but not limited to a soft or flexible plastic, rubber, or resin material. Disposed on a peripheral edge of the bottom or distal brush component34is at least one or more protrusions or positioning members37that extend at least partially outward therefrom. Referring to the modified brush sleeve20ofFIG. 10, the protrusions or positioning members37of the bottom or distal brush34will cooperatively fit into the retention channels26cooperatively positioned on the inside wall of the brush sleeve20, as shown. For instance, the retention channels26may extend from the open proximal end21of the brush sleeve20down to the inner surface of the distal end29of the brush sleeve20. In this manner, the bottom or distal brush34may be slidingly disposed within the brush sleeve20, for example, by aligning the protrusions or positioning member(s)37into the retention channels26. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8A, 9A and 10, the bottom or distal brush component34may, but need not necessarily, include a substantially similar shape or configuration (e.g., rounded configuration) as the inside surface of the brush sleeve20.

Referring now toFIGS. 8B and 9B, the lateral or side brush component32of at least one embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, a single lateral or side brush sleeve32may be constructed, such that separate lateral brush components need not be separately slidingly engaged within the brush sleeve20.

Specifically, the side or lateral brush component32of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8B and 9Bincludes a plurality of bristles36or other scrubbing components attached to a base35. The base35may be constructed of a partially flexible material, including, but not limited to a soft or flexible plastic, rubber, or resin material. Extending outward from the base35, for example, on a side opposite from the bristles36, is at least one or more protrusions or positioning members38.

Referring again to the modified brush sleeve20ofFIG. 10, the protrusions or positioning members38of the side or lateral brush32will also cooperatively fit into the retention channels26positioned on the inside wall of the brush sleeve20, as shown. In this manner, the distance between the protrusions or positioning members38is equal to the distance between the retention channels26. Accordingly, the brush component32of one embodiment may be flexibly rolled, curled or bent and inserted into the brush sleeve20with the positioning members38aligned with the retention channels26.

Again, a retention cap12may be secured over the open end21of the brush sleeve20, for example, to retain the brush components32,34in place during operation of the present invention.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. This written description provides an illustrative explanation and/or account of the present invention. It may be possible to deliver equivalent benefits using variations of the specific embodiments, without departing from the inventive concept. This description and these drawings, therefore, are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

Now that the invention has been described,