Washcloth Expander Device

A washcloth expander tool for keeping a washcloth in an expanded orientation. The washcloth expander tool comprises a pair of generally curved wands that are connected along a center pivot point. The pair of wands are oriented in an approximately perpendicular configuration when in use. Each end of each wand comprises a washcloth attachment element for attaching to a corner of the washcloth. A rail component is attachable to one of the wands and a finger engaging component can attach to a variety of positions along the rail component. The finger engaging component comprises a plurality of finger loops for a user's fingers to hold the washcloth expander tool attached to the washcloth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to tool for use with a washcloth, and more specifically to a tool for keeping a washcloth expanded during use. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, a washcloth or similar cleaning towel is generally a smaller absorbent toweling used for cleaning. People use washcloths and wash rags for bathing, washing dishes, cleaning a car, and the like. Washcloths are similar to towels but are generally smaller and intended to use wet or damp. They may be used with a soap solution to clean surfaces including a human body. Unfortunately, they are non-rigid in construction as they are generally made from cloth materials, so they have a tendency to bunch up during use.

Holding the washcloth in an open and expanded position can be difficult as washcloths inherently have no rigid structure. It can be difficult to hold on to a washcloth while using it and trying to use as much surface area as possible. Dropped washcloths can contaminate or dirty the washcloth requiring cleaning before reuse. Without an effective way to grip the washcloth and keep it open, wadding easily occurs decreasing the effectiveness of using the washcloth to clean a body or other surface.

In this manner, the improved washcloth expander tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution keeping a washcloth expanded during use. A primary feature of the present invention is a tool having a semi-rigid frame for engaging the washcloth to keep it in an expanded position at all times. In use, the expander tool engages the user's fingers for ease of use. Finally, the improved expander tool of the present invention keeps the washcloth in an expanded configuration to use the most surface area as possible during cleaning operations.

SUMMARY

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a washcloth expander tool. The washcloth expander tool is configured to keep a washcloth in an expanded and open configuration. The washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand is similarly sized to the first wand. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The second wand comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.

The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component to be adaptable for the user. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar. The plurality of finger loops are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment, a washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand is longer in length than the first wand to accommodate rectangular washcloths. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The second wand comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.

The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment, a washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands are adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped washcloths. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and an extension member telescoping from one of the ends. The first wand further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from one end and the extension member. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and an extension member telescoping from one of the ends. The second wand further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from one end and the extension member. The second wand further comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.

The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a tool for keeping a washcloth from collapsing or bunching up during use. The user can then utilize the entire surface of the washcloth rather than just the center or corners. The device comprises a pair of intersecting and adjustable wands with clips on the ends to hold the washcloth corners. Finger holders on the upper wand can adjust laterally on a railing system for further control. More specifically, the finger holders enable the user to apply their entire hand to the washcloth while the washcloth remains in an expanded state. The device helps the user better control and hold onto the washcloth.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIGS. 1-7illustrate a washcloth expander tool100. The washcloth expander tool100is configured to keep a washcloth in an expanded and open configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 2-5. The washcloth expander tool100comprises a first wand102and a second wand112. The first and second wands102and112are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands102and112may be manufactured from plastic or metal and may be flexible in construction.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 6, the first wand102comprises a pair of ends104and a pair of washcloth attachment elements108. Each washcloth attachment elements108is attached to or extends from one of the respective ends104. The first wand102further comprises a center hole110. The second wand112is similarly sized to the first wand102. The second wand112comprises a pair of ends114and a pair of washcloth attachment elements118attached to or extending from each respective end114. The second wand112further comprises a center hole120. The washcloth attachment elements108and118may be hooks, clips, alligator clips, grabbers, or any other similar gripping element configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.

The second wand112is rotatably attachable to the first wand102and is positioned over the first wand102with the center holes110and120aligned. The second wand112is attached to the first wand102with a connecting element130. The second wand112can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand102from a parallel in-line orientation as illustrated inFIG. 7to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool100is deployed for use as illustrated inFIG. 1.

The washcloth expander tool100further comprises a rail component122. The rail component122comprises a bar124. The bar124is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand112along a length of the second wand112. The rail component122further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs126and a center hole128. The rail component122is attached to the second wand112via the connecting element130through the center hole128which is aligned with the center holes110and120of the first and second wands102and112respectively. Alternatively, the rail component122may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand112. The plurality of attachment knobs126are spaced along a length of the rail component122.

The washcloth expander tool100further comprises a finger engaging component132. The finger engaging component132comprises a bar134and a knob engaging element136. The knob engaging element136is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs126of the rail component122. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component132to be adaptable for the user. The bar134is convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component122and the second wand112when installed. The finger engaging component132further comprises a plurality of finger loops138extending from the bar134. The plurality of finger loops138are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, a finger engaging component132(a) may comprise a bar134(a) and a knob engaging element136(a). The knob engaging element136(a) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs126of the rail component122. The bar134(a) is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component122and the second wand112when installed. The finger engaging component132(a) further comprises a plurality of finger holes138(a) embedded within the bar134(a). The plurality of finger holes138(a) are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, a finger engaging component132(b) may comprise a bar134(b) and a knob engaging element136(b). The knob engaging element136(b) is configured to releasably slide along the the rail component122. The bar134(b) is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component122and the second wand112when installed. The finger engaging component132(b) further comprises a plurality of finger holes138(b) embedded within the bar134(b). The plurality of finger holes138(b) are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 8, a washcloth expander tool200comprises a first wand202and a second wand212. The first and second wands202and212are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand202comprises a pair of ends204and a pair of washcloth attachment elements208. Each washcloth attachment elements208is attached to or extends from one of the respective ends204. The first wand202further comprises a center hole (similar to110). The second wand212is similarly sized to the first wand202. The second wand212comprises a pair of ends214and a pair of washcloth attachment elements218attached to or extending from each respective end214. The second wand212further comprises a center hole (similar to120). The washcloth attachment elements208and218may be hooks, clips, grabbers, or any other similar gripping element configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.

The second wand212is rotatably attachable to the first wand202and is positioned over the first wand202with the center holes210and220aligned. The second wand212is attached to the first wand202with a connecting element (similar to130). The second wand212can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand202from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool200is deployed for use. The second wand212is longer in length than the first wand202to accommodate rectangular washcloths. Alternatively, the first wand202may be longer than the second wand212.

The washcloth expander tool200further comprises a rail component222. The rail component222comprises a bar224. The bar224is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand212along a length of the second wand212. The rail component222further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs226and a center hole228. The rail component222is attached to the second wand212via the connecting element (similar to130) through the center hole228which is aligned with the center holes (similar to110and120) of the first and second wands202and212respectively. Alternatively, the rail component222may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand212. The plurality of attachment knobs226are spaced along a length of the rail component222.

The washcloth expander tool200further comprises a finger engaging component232. The finger engaging component232comprises a bar234and a knob engaging element236. The knob engaging element (similar to136) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs226of the rail component222. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component232to be adaptable for the user. The bar234is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component222and the second wand212when installed. The finger engaging component232further comprises a plurality of finger loops238extending from the curved bar234. The plurality of finger loops238are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 9, a washcloth expander tool300comprises a first wand302and a second wand312. The first and second wands302and312are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands302and312are adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped washcloths. The first wand302comprises a pair of ends304and an extension member306telescoping from one of the ends304. The first wand302further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements308attached to or extending from one end304and from the extension member306. The first wand302further comprises a center hole (similar to110).

The second wand312comprises a pair of ends314and an extension member316telescoping from one of the ends314. The second wand312further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements318attached to or extending from one end314and from the extension member316. The second wand312comprises a center hole (similar to120). The extension members306and316allow the respective first and second wands302and312to adjust in length to accommodate various sized and shaped washcloths. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements318are configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.

The second wand312is rotatably attachable to the first wand302and is positioned over the first wand302with the center holes aligned. The second wand312is attached to the first wand302with a connecting element (similar to130). The second wand312can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand302from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool300is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool300further comprises a rail component322. The rail component322comprises a bar324. The bar324is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand312along a length of the second wand312. The rail component322further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs326and a center hole328. The rail component322is attached to the second wand312via the connecting element (similar to130) through the center hole328which is aligned with the center holes (similar to110and120) of the first and second wands302and312respectively. Alternatively, the rail component322may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand312. The plurality of attachment knobs326are spaced along a length of the rail component322.

The washcloth expander tool300further comprises a finger engaging component332. The finger engaging component332comprises a bar334and a knob engaging element336. The knob engaging element336is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs326of the rail component322. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component332to be adaptable for the user. The bar334is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component322and the second wand312when installed. The finger engaging component332further comprises a plurality of finger loops338extending from the curved bar334. The plurality of finger loops338are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300and its various components, as show in the FIGS. Are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to the washcloths the washcloth expander tools100,200, and300are designed to be applied.