Patent Publication Number: US-2018042430-A1

Title: Intergluteal cleft cleaning device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. non-provisional utility application Ser. No. 15/198,082, filed Jun. 30, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/210,196, filed Aug. 26, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cleaning device and, more particularly, to an intergluteal cleft cleaning device. 
     Currently, it is difficult to properly clean hard to reach areas, such as in between the intergluteal cleft. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a device that properly cleans in between the intergluteal cleft. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises: a handle; a cleaning member extending from the handle and comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein a distance between the first edge and the second edge is substantially greater than a distance between the first side and the second side; and a plurality of ribs extending from the first side and the second side of the cleaning member, the plurality of ribs comprising a rubber elasticity. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with gauze 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention without gauze; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     The present invention includes a cleaning device used to clean and sanitize the hard to reach intergluteal cleft with soap and water. The present invention is used to reduce itching, odor and rashes. The present invention is easy to use and control because of a special handle designed to quickly and easily wash the whole gluteus and rectal area in the comfort of your own bath. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the present invention includes a cleaning device  10 . The cleaning device  10  includes a cleaning member  16  and a handle  12 . The cleaning member  16  extends from the handle  12 . The handle  12  includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing sides. The cleaning member  16  includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. A distance between the first edge and the second edge is substantially greater than a distance between the first side and the second side. Therefore, the cleaning member  16  may have a thin profile and resemble a blade. The first side and the second side of the cleaning member  16  are perpendicular relative to the upper surface and the lower surface of the handle  10 . A plurality of ribs  28  extend from the first side and the second side of the cleaning member  16 . 
     The cleaning member  16  may be used to clean in between the intergluteal cleft  26 . The cleaning member  16  may be about 4 to about 6 inches long. The cleaning member  16  may be made of a soft polymer, such as, but not limited to, rubber, silicone, latex, and the like. In certain embodiments, the first side and the second side may be substantially flat. Further, the plurality of ribs  28  extend from the first side and the second side. The plurality of ribs  28  may include elongated rounded bumps spaced apart and protruding from the first side and the second side. The ribs  28  may be parallel relative to one another. The ribs  28  may be made of the soft polymer, and may have a rubber elasticity. 
     In certain embodiments, the cleaning member  16  is removable from the cleaning device  10 . In such embodiments, a stem  14  may extend from the handle  12 . The cleaning member  16  may have a hollow core forming a slot with an open proximal end. The stem  14  fits within the slot, thereby releasably retaining the cleaning member  16  to the cleaning device  10 . 
     The handle  12  of the present invention is used to manipulate the cleaning member  16 . The handle  12  may be about 8 to 12 inches long. In certain embodiments, the handle  12  may include a curve. The handle  12  may further include an opening formed therethrough to fit a rope or lanyard within. The handle  12  may further include a plurality of finger grooves. 
     A method of using the present invention may include the following. Place gauze  18  under water and add soap or medication to the gauze  18 . Place the gauze  18  over the cleaning member  16 , grip the handle  12 , place the cleaning member  16  in the area to be cleaned and gently stroke the center area within the intergluteal cleft  26 . After cleaning, remove the gauze  18 , rinse and hang up for reuse. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.