Back scrubber

The back scrubber is a hygienic device. The back scrubber is adapted for use with a person. The back scrubber is configured for use in bathing. The back scrubber is configured for use with soap. The back scrubber extends the reach of the person such that soap may be applied to otherwise inaccessible locations of the person. The back scrubber comprises a head, a handle, and a control system. The control system is installed in the handle. The head attaches to the handle. The head contains the soap. The handle extends the reach of the person. The control system adjusts the overall length of the handle.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of medical or veterinary science including bathing devices for hygienic purposes, more specifically, a device for massaging the skin by brushing that is not otherwise provided for.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The back scrubber is a hygienic device. The back scrubber is adapted for use with a person. The back scrubber is configured for use in bathing. The back scrubber is configured for use with soap. The back scrubber extends the reach of the person such that soap may be applied to otherwise inaccessible locations of the person. The back scrubber comprises a head, a handle, and a control system. The control system is installed in the handle. The head attaches to the handle. The head contains the soap. The handle extends the reach of the person. The control system adjusts the overall length of the handle.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the back scrubber in detail, it is to be understood that the back scrubber is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the back scrubber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The back scrubber100(hereinafter invention) is a hygienic device. The invention100is adapted for use with a person. The invention100is configured for use in bathing. The invention100is configured for use with soap181. Soap181is discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The invention100extends the reach of the person such that soap181may be applied to otherwise inaccessible locations of the person. The invention100comprises a head101, a handle102, and a control system103. The control system103is installed in the handle102. The head101attaches to the handle102. The head101contains the soap181. The handle102extends the reach of the person. The control system103adjusts the overall reach124of the handle102.

The head101is the cleansing structure of the invention100. The head101is used to apply soap181during bathing. The head101attaches to the first end151of the first arm121of the handle102. The head101comprises a plate110, a first cavity111, a second cavity112, a sponge113, a lid114, and a foraminous divider115.

The plate110is the master structure of the head101. The plate110is a structure that is formed with a uniform thickness. The first cavity111is a negative space that is formed in the plate110. The first cavity111is formed in the shape of a rectangular block. The first cavity111is sized to receive a bar of soap181. The lid114is a barrier that encloses the first cavity111after the soap181has been installed in the first cavity111. Methods to form a lid114for a contained space are well-known and documented in the mechanical arts.

The second cavity112is a negative space that is formed in the plate110. The second cavity112is formed in the face of the plate110that is distal from the face of the plate110that received the first cavity111. The second cavity112is formed in a shape that is sized to receive the sponge113. The sponge113is a cleansing device that is used to apply soap181during the bathing process. The sponge113is discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The sponge113is a well-known and documented structure.

The foraminous divider115is a foraminous surface that separates the first cavity111from the second cavity112. The foraminous divider115allows water to pass between the first cavity111and the second cavity112such that the soap181will be dispensed during the bathing process.

The handle102is an extension device that extends the reach of the person during bathing. The handle102is adjustable in length. The handle102comprises a first arm121, a second arm122, and a tenon123. The first arm121is further defined with a first end151and a second end152. The second arm122is further defined with a third end153and a fourth end154. The tenon123is further defined with a fifth end155and a sixth end156. The handle102is further defined with a reach124. The reach124refers to the span of distance from the fourth end154of the second arm122to the point of the head101that is distal from the first end151of the first arm121.

The first arm121is a shaft structure that attaches the second arm122to the head101. The head101attaches to the first end151of the first arm121. The second arm122is a hollow shaft structure that forms the portion of the handle102that is distal from the head101. The tenon123is an inert mechanical structure that attaches the first arm121to the second arm122. The fifth end155of the tenon123attaches to the second end152of the first arm121. The sixth end156of the tenon123is inserted into the third end153of the second arm122. The sixth end156of the tenon123attaches to the U grip133of the control system103. The U grip133is discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

The control system103is an electromechanical device that is used to adjust the span of the reach124of the handle102. The control system103is installed in the hollow second arm122of the handle102. The control system103comprises a worm drive131, a transfer ring132, a U grip133, a motor134, a battery135, a plurality of switches136, and an electrical ground137. The motor134is further defined with a ninth lead169and an tenth lead170. The battery135is further defined with an anode171and a cathode172.

The worm drive131is a cylindrical structure that is formed with an exterior screw thread191. The transfer ring132is a nut like object that is formed with an interior screw thread192that matches the exterior screw thread191of the worm drive131. The transfer ring132is screwed onto the worm drive131in such a manner that the transfer ring132will travel along the direction of the center axis of the worm drive131when the worm drive131is rotated around its center axis. Methods to design and use a worm drive131are well known and documented in the mechanical arts.

As shown most clearly inFIG. 7, the U grip133is a U shaped structure that attaches the transfer ring132to the sixth end156of the tenon123such that the rotation of the worm drive131is unhindered.

The motor134is an electrical motor that is used to rotate the worm drive131. The battery135is a chemical device that is used to generate the electricity to operate the motor134. The electrical ground137is a common reference voltage that is used throughout the control system103.

Each of the plurality of switches136is a switch that is used to control the motor134. The plurality of switches136are used to: 1) turn the invention100on and off; 2) initiate the rotation of the worm drive131in a first direction; and, 3) initiate the rotation of the worm drive131in a second direction wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

The plurality of switches136comprises a first double pole single throw switch141, a second double pole single throw switch142, and a master switch143. The first double pole single throw switch141is further defined with a first lead161, a second lead162, and a third lead163. The second double pole single throw switch142is further defined with a fourth lead164, a fifth lead165, and a sixth lead166. The master switch143is further defined with a seventh lead167and a eighth lead168. The first double pole single throw switch141is a readily and commercially available electrical switch. The second double pole single throw switch142is a readily and commercially available electrical switch. The master switch143is a readily and commercially available electrical switch. The master switch143is a single pole single throw switch.

The first double pole single throw switch141rotates the motor134. The second double pole single throw switch142rotates the motor134in a direction opposite to the operational direction of the first double pole single throw switch141. The master switch143is an on-off switch.

The assembly of the control system103is described in this paragraph and the following paragraph. The anode171of the battery135(during discharge) is electrically connected to the electrical ground137. The cathode172of the battery135(during discharge) is electrically connected to the seventh lead167of the master switch143. The eighth lead168of the master switch143is electrically connected to the first lead161of the first double pole single throw switch141.

The second lead162of the first double pole single throw switch141is electrically connected to the ninth lead169of the motor134. The second lead162of the first double pole single throw switch141is electrically connected to the sixth lead166of the second double pole single throw switch142. The third lead163of the first double pole single throw switch141is electrically connected to the fifth lead165of the second double pole single throw switch142. The third lead163of the first double pole single throw switch141is electrically connected to the tenth lead170of the motor134. The fourth lead164of the second double pole single throw switch142is electrically connected to the electrical ground137.

In a second potential embodiment of the disclosure, the handle102further comprises a third arm125, a detent126, a first elastomeric covering127, and a second elastomeric covering128. The detent126is a mechanical device that connects and secures the third arm125to the second arm122. The second arm122is formed as a hollow first prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The third arm125is a second prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The second arm122and the third arm125are geometrically similar. The outer dimension of the third arm125is less than the inner dimension of the second arm122such that the third arm125can be inserted into the second arm122in a telescopic manner. The third arm125inserts into the second arm122at the end of the second arm122that is distal from the first arm121. The length of the handle102adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the third arm125within the second arm122. The position of the third arm125relative to the second arm122is held in position using the detent126. The detent126is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, or a spring loaded ball lock.

The first elastomeric covering127is an elastomeric material that covers the exterior lateral surfaces of the second arm122. The first elastomeric covering127is formed with all apertures and form factors necessary to allow the first elastomeric covering127to accommodate the use and operation of the invention100.

The second elastomeric covering128is an elastomeric material that covers the exterior lateral surfaces of the third arm123. The second elastomeric covering128is formed with all apertures and form factors necessary to allow the second elastomeric covering128to accommodate the use and operation of the invention100.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Anodes and Cathodes: As used in this disclosure, an anode and a cathode are the connecting terminals of an electrical circuit element or device. Technically, the cathode is the terminal through which the physical electrons flow into the device. The anode is the terminal through which the physical electrons flow out of the device. As a practical matter the anode refers to: 1) the positive terminal of a power consuming electrical circuit element; 2) the negative terminal of a discharging battery or an electrical power source; and, 3) the positive terminal of a charging battery. As a further practical matter the cathode refers to: 1) the negative terminal of a power consuming electrical circuit element; 2) the positive terminal of a discharging battery or an electrical power source; and, 3) the negative terminal of a charging battery.

Battery: As used in this disclosure, a battery is a chemical device consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power.

Cavity: As used in this disclosure, a cavity is an empty space or negative space that is formed within an object.

Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder or cylinder like structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder like structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset.

Control System: As used in this disclosure, a control system is a first device or system that manages and regulates the behavior or operation of a second device or system.

Cylinder: As used in this disclosure, a cylinder is a geometric structure defined by two identical flat and parallel ends, also commonly referred to as bases, which are circular in shape and connected with a single curved surface, referred to in this disclosure as the face. The cross section of the cylinder remains the same from one end to another. The axis of the cylinder is formed by the straight line that connects the center of each of the two identical flat and parallel ends of the cylinder. Unless otherwise stated within this disclosure, the term cylinder specifically means a right cylinder which is defined as a cylinder wherein the curved surface perpendicularly intersects with the two identical flat and parallel ends.

Elastic: As used in this disclosure, an elastic is a material or object that deforms when a force is applied to it and that is able to return to its relaxed shape after the force is removed. A material that exhibits these qualities is also referred to as an elastomeric material. A material that does not exhibit these qualities is referred to as inelastic or an inelastic material.

Electric Motor: In this disclosure, an electric motor is a machine that converts electric energy into rotational mechanical energy.

Electrical Ground: As used in this disclosure, an electrical ground is a common reference voltage that is used in the design and implementation of electrical circuits. An electrical ground is often, but not necessarily, the discharge point of electric currents flowing through an electric circuit.

Exterior Screw Thread: An exterior screw thread is a ridge wrapped around the outer surface of a tube in the form of a helical structure that is used to convert rotational movement into linear movement.

Foraminous: As used in this disclosure, foraminous is an adjective that describes a surface, plate, or platform that is perforated with a plurality of holes.

Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is a covering that is placed over a hand hold, handle, or shaft.

Interior Screw Thread: An interior screw thread is a groove that is formed around the inner surface of a tube in the form of a helical structure that is used to convert rotational movement into linear movement.

Handle: As used in this disclosure, a handle is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand.

Lead: As used in this disclosure, a lead is a conductor that is physically used to electrically connect an electrical component into a larger circuit assembly.

Lid: As used in this disclosure, a lid is a removable cover that is placed on a hollow structure to contain the contents within the hollow structure.

Motor: As used in this disclosure, a motor refers to the method of transferring energy from an external power source into mechanical energy.

Nut: As used in this disclosure, a nut is a first object that is formed with a cylindrical negative space that further comprises an interior screw thread such that a second object with a matching exterior screw thread can screwed into the first object forming a threaded connection. A nut is further defined with an inner diameter.

Plate: As used in this disclosure, a plate is a smooth, flat and rigid object that has at least one dimension that: 1) is of uniform thickness; and 2) that appears thin relative to the other dimensions of the object. Plates often have a rectangular or disk like appearance.

Rectangular Block: As used in this disclosure, a rectangular block refers to a three dimensional structure comprising six rectangular surfaces formed at right angles. Within this disclosure, a rectangular block may further comprise rounded edges and corners.

Screw: When used as a verb in this disclosure, to screw means: 1) to fasten or unfasten (unscrew) a threaded connection; or 2) to attach a helical structure to a solid structure.

Soap: As used in this disclosure, a soap is a cleansing chemical that is used in cleaning an object. A soap is generally formed from a mixture of one or more salts and one or more fatty acids.

Sponge: As used in this disclosure, a sponge is a material, generally with a fibrous structure, that is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids.

Switch: As used in this disclosure, a switch is an electrical device that starts and stops the flow of electricity through an electric circuit by completing or interrupting an electric circuit. The act of completing or breaking the electrical circuit is called actuation. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit with a switch is often referred to as closing or opening a switch respectively. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit is also often referred to as making or breaking the circuit respectively.

Telescopic: As used in this disclosure, telescopic is an adjective that describes an object made of sections that fit or slide into each other such that the object can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the sections.

Tenon: As used in this disclosure, a tenon is a structure that projects away from an edge a first object (often the end of a piece of wood). The tenon is sized and shaped to fit into a mortise that is formed in a second object such that the first object can be attached to the second object by inserting the tenon in the matching mortise.

Threaded Connection: As used in this disclosure, a threaded connection is a type of fastener that is used to join a first tube shaped and a second tube shaped object together. The first tube shaped object is fitted with fitted with a first fitting selected from an interior screw thread or an exterior screw thread. The second tube shaped object is fitted with the remaining screw thread. The tube shaped object fitted with the exterior screw thread is placed into the remaining tube shaped object such that: 1) the interior screw thread and the exterior screw thread interconnect; and, 2) when the tube shaped object fitted with the exterior screw thread is rotated the rotational motion is converted into linear motion that moves the tube shaped object fitted with the exterior screw thread either into or out of the remaining tube shaped object. The direction of linear motion is determined by the direction of rotation.

Worm Drive: As used in this disclosure, a worm drive refers to a mechanical arrangement where a rotating cylinder further comprising an exterior screw thread is used to: 1) rotate a gear; or 2) move a plate formed with an interior screw thread in a linear fashion in the direction of the center axis of the rotating cylinder. Worm drives are also referred to as worm gears.