Patent Publication Number: US-6039491-A

Title: Liquid soap applicator, and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a new and improved liquid soap applicator and method for use both by adults and children using only one hand and thereby allowing the free hand of a user to maintain balance either in a shower or in a bathtub. The invention is of particular use by small children since they can become unbalanced in a bathtub, and even adults can lose their balance in a shower. 
     The soap applicator and method of this invention enables a user to apply liquid soap from a soap reservoir to a wash cloth using only one hand, thereby freeing one hand which can be used to balance the user. The applicator and method also enables the soap reservoir to be easily filled using connector components of the applicator. 
     THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention, a soap applicator and method of this invention comprises a deformable, liquid soap reservoir, a perforated wash cloth connector means, and a wash cloth attached to the connector means. When the reservoir is in a soap storage mode, and is not being deformed, liquid soap will be stored in the reservoir, without significant leakage into the connector means and attached wash cloth. However, during use, the reservoir is deformed using only one hand of a user, thereby forcing liquid soap into the connector means, through the perforations, and onto the wash cloth. This enables users to employ a free hand for maintaining their balance in a bathtub or shower. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid soap applicator of this invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an external side elevation view of the connector means in a closed perforation mode; 
     FIG. 4 is an external side elevation view of connector means showing the soap discharge manifold; 
     FIG. 5 is a external side elevation view of the connector means showing the discharge manifold partially disengaged from the connector; and, 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the connector means embodiment shown in FIG. 3. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The liquid soap applicator 10 of this invention is shown in FIG. 1, and comprises a deformable, liquid soap reservoir 11 typically constructed of an elastic material such as rubber and which contains a liquid soap 12. The reservoir is shown as being spherically shaped, but can assume the various shapes of toys when the applicator is used by children. 
     The bottom of the reservoir provides an opening 13 into which is removably seated and sealed by a hollow connector valve 14 defining an oversized, flared-open filling end 15. The connector valve 14 defines a discharge end 15a, and a ring-shaped manifold 16 defining a plurality of perforations 17 is threadably connected into the discharge end 15a, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, or otherwise connected, such as by press fitting. A wash cloth 18 is attached to the manifold 16 by heat sealing, adhesives, sonic bonding, etc., and will absorb liquid soap which is forced out through the perforations 17. 
     In the normal soap storage mode of the reservoir 11, liquid soap 12 will be contained in the reservoir 11, and the perforations 17 of the manifold 16 will remain closed in the absence of pressure being applied to the reservoir; hence, soap will not escape from the reservoir, and will be stored therein. 
     However, when the reservoir is deformed simply by squeezing, for example with only one hand, liquid soap will be forced out of the reservoir 11 into the connector valve 14, through the perforations 17 of the manifold, and be captured for use by the wash cloth 18. 
     When the reservoir requires filling, the connector valve 14 is unseated from the reservoir opening 13, removed from the reservoir and unscrewed from the manifold. The discharge end 15a of the connector valve is then inserted into the reservoir, and liquid soap is squirted into the flared-open filling end 15 to fill the reservoir. When the reservoir is filled, the connector is then removed, and the filling end 15 is reinserted and resealed into the reservoir. Alternatively, the connector valve and manifold may be integrally formed, and the reservoir is filled by disconnecting the connector and attached manifold, and then filled from a conventional soap dispenser. 
     The device of this invention is simple and inexpensive, and it will be apparent that simple squeezing of the soap reservoir can be accomplished easily with only one hand. This enables adults, including elderly users to maintain their balance within the shower, or for young children or elderly individuals to better maintain their balance within a bathtub.