Patent Publication Number: US-2021169302-A1

Title: Washcloth Expander Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/943,481, which was filed on Dec. 4, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     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&#39;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 following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s fingers when in use. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention engaging the washcloth to keep the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention engaging the washcloth to keep the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an overhead perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention engaging the washcloth to keep the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an overhead view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth in an expanded orientation with the washcloth expander tool of the present invention keeping the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention folded up when not in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a finger engaging component of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a one potential embodiment of a finger engaging component of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     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. 1-7  illustrate a washcloth expander tool  100 . The washcloth expander tool  100  is configured to keep a washcloth in an expanded and open configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . The washcloth expander tool  100  comprises a first wand  102  and a second wand  112 . The first and second wands  102  and  112  are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands  102  and  112  may be manufactured from plastic or metal and may be flexible in construction. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the first wand  102  comprises a pair of ends  104  and a pair of washcloth attachment elements  108 . Each washcloth attachment elements  108  is attached to or extends from one of the respective ends  104 . The first wand  102  further comprises a center hole  110 . The second wand  112  is similarly sized to the first wand  102 . The second wand  112  comprises a pair of ends  114  and a pair of washcloth attachment elements  118  attached to or extending from each respective end  114 . The second wand  112  further comprises a center hole  120 . The washcloth attachment elements  108  and  118  may 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 wand  112  is rotatably attachable to the first wand  102  and is positioned over the first wand  102  with the center holes  110  and  120  aligned. The second wand  112  is attached to the first wand  102  with a connecting element  130 . The second wand  112  can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand  102  from a parallel in-line orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 7  to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool  100  is deployed for use as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The washcloth expander tool  100  further comprises a rail component  122 . The rail component  122  comprises a bar  124 . The bar  124  is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand  112  along a length of the second wand  112 . The rail component  122  further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs  126  and a center hole  128 . The rail component  122  is attached to the second wand  112  via the connecting element  130  through the center hole  128  which is aligned with the center holes  110  and  120  of the first and second wands  102  and  112  respectively. Alternatively, the rail component  122  may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand  112 . The plurality of attachment knobs  126  are spaced along a length of the rail component  122 . 
     The washcloth expander tool  100  further comprises a finger engaging component  132 . The finger engaging component  132  comprises a bar  134  and a knob engaging element  136 . The knob engaging element  136  is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs  126  of the rail component  122 . This allows positioning of the finger engaging component  132  to be adaptable for the user. The bar  134  is convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component  122  and the second wand  112  when installed. The finger engaging component  132  further comprises a plurality of finger loops  138  extending from the bar  134 . The plurality of finger loops  138  are configured to engage the user&#39;s fingers when in use. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a finger engaging component  132 ( a ) may comprise a bar  134 ( a ) and a knob engaging element  136 ( a ). The knob engaging element  136 ( a ) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs  126  of the rail component  122 . The bar  134 ( a ) is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component  122  and the second wand  112  when installed. The finger engaging component  132 ( a ) further comprises a plurality of finger holes  138 ( a ) embedded within the bar  134 ( a ). The plurality of finger holes  138 ( a ) are configured to engage the user&#39;s fingers when in use. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a finger engaging component  132 ( b ) may comprise a bar  134 ( b ) and a knob engaging element  136 ( b ). The knob engaging element  136 ( b ) is configured to releasably slide along the the rail component  122 . The bar  134 ( b ) is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component  122  and the second wand  112  when installed. The finger engaging component  132 ( b ) further comprises a plurality of finger holes  138 ( b ) embedded within the bar  134 ( b ). The plurality of finger holes  138 ( b ) are configured to engage the user&#39;s fingers when in use. 
     In an additional embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a washcloth expander tool  200  comprises a first wand  202  and a second wand  212 . The first and second wands  202  and  212  are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand  202  comprises a pair of ends  204  and a pair of washcloth attachment elements  208 . Each washcloth attachment elements  208  is attached to or extends from one of the respective ends  204 . The first wand  202  further comprises a center hole (similar to  110 ). The second wand  212  is similarly sized to the first wand  202 . The second wand  212  comprises a pair of ends  214  and a pair of washcloth attachment elements  218  attached to or extending from each respective end  214 . The second wand  212  further comprises a center hole (similar to  120 ). The washcloth attachment elements  208  and  218  may 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 wand  212  is rotatably attachable to the first wand  202  and is positioned over the first wand  202  with the center holes  210  and  220  aligned. The second wand  212  is attached to the first wand  202  with a connecting element (similar to  130 ). The second wand  212  can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand  202  from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool  200  is deployed for use. The second wand  212  is longer in length than the first wand  202  to accommodate rectangular washcloths. Alternatively, the first wand  202  may be longer than the second wand  212 . 
     The washcloth expander tool  200  further comprises a rail component  222 . The rail component  222  comprises a bar  224 . The bar  224  is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand  212  along a length of the second wand  212 . The rail component  222  further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs  226  and a center hole  228 . The rail component  222  is attached to the second wand  212  via the connecting element (similar to  130 ) through the center hole  228  which is aligned with the center holes (similar to  110  and  120 ) of the first and second wands  202  and  212  respectively. Alternatively, the rail component  222  may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand  212 . The plurality of attachment knobs  226  are spaced along a length of the rail component  222 . 
     The washcloth expander tool  200  further comprises a finger engaging component  232 . The finger engaging component  232  comprises a bar  234  and a knob engaging element  236 . The knob engaging element (similar to  136 ) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs  226  of the rail component  222 . This allows positioning of the finger engaging component  232  to be adaptable for the user. The bar  234  is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component  222  and the second wand  212  when installed. The finger engaging component  232  further comprises a plurality of finger loops  238  extending from the curved bar  234 . The plurality of finger loops  238  are configured to engage the user&#39;s fingers when in use. 
     In an additional embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a washcloth expander tool  300  comprises a first wand  302  and a second wand  312 . The first and second wands  302  and  312  are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands  302  and  312  are adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped washcloths. The first wand  302  comprises a pair of ends  304  and an extension member  306  telescoping from one of the ends  304 . The first wand  302  further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements  308  attached to or extending from one end  304  and from the extension member  306 . The first wand  302  further comprises a center hole (similar to  110 ). 
     The second wand  312  comprises a pair of ends  314  and an extension member  316  telescoping from one of the ends  314 . The second wand  312  further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements  318  attached to or extending from one end  314  and from the extension member  316 . The second wand  312  comprises a center hole (similar to  120 ). The extension members  306  and  316  allow the respective first and second wands  302  and  312  to adjust in length to accommodate various sized and shaped washcloths. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements  318  are configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth. 
     The second wand  312  is rotatably attachable to the first wand  302  and is positioned over the first wand  302  with the center holes aligned. The second wand  312  is attached to the first wand  302  with a connecting element (similar to  130 ). The second wand  312  can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand  302  from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool  300  is deployed for use. 
     The washcloth expander tool  300  further comprises a rail component  322 . The rail component  322  comprises a bar  324 . The bar  324  is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand  312  along a length of the second wand  312 . The rail component  322  further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs  326  and a center hole  328 . The rail component  322  is attached to the second wand  312  via the connecting element (similar to  130 ) through the center hole  328  which is aligned with the center holes (similar to  110  and  120 ) of the first and second wands  302  and  312  respectively. Alternatively, the rail component  322  may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand  312 . The plurality of attachment knobs  326  are spaced along a length of the rail component  322 . 
     The washcloth expander tool  300  further comprises a finger engaging component  332 . The finger engaging component  332  comprises a bar  334  and a knob engaging element  336 . The knob engaging element  336  is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs  326  of the rail component  322 . This allows positioning of the finger engaging component  332  to be adaptable for the user. The bar  334  is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component  322  and the second wand  312  when installed. The finger engaging component  332  further comprises a plurality of finger loops  338  extending from the curved bar  334 . The plurality of finger loops  338  are configured to engage the user&#39;s fingers when in use. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the washcloth expander tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  can 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 tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  and its various components, as show in the FIGS. Are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the washcloth expander tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the washcloth expander tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the washcloth expander tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  and 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 tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to the washcloths the washcloth expander tools  100 ,  200 , and  300  are designed to be applied. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.