Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to cleansing exfoliation, and scrubbing devices, and methods of their use and manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a body cleansing device for personal hygiene and methods for their manufacture. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A variety of cleansing, exfoliation, and scrubbing devices are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,835, titled “Scouring Ball” discloses a scouring pad in the shape of a ball comprises a plurality of radially slit, regular-shaped, planar segments of conformable, lofty, low-density nonwoven abrasive product fastened together under compression at their centers with fastening means. The segments are slit from the outer edge toward the center to provide radially disposed, equally spaced slits which define radially aligned lobes, the total array of which defines the ball shape. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2002/0152571, titled “Bath Ball Structure with Flower Pattern,” discloses a bath ball structure with flower pattern, including a bathing body and a string. The bathing body is made of plastic membrane and has an elongated length and a certain width. A number of through holes are evenly distributed over the surface of the plastic membrane with one face having a projection, while the other face having a corresponding recess, whereby the surface of the bathing body serves as a cleaning face with good cleaning effect. Two long sides of the bathing body are equally inward folded to overlap a substantially middle portion and then thermally fused with the middle portion to form two thermal fusion seams definitely therein a hollow section. The bathing body is small section repeatedly folded back and forth to form a semiproduct of the bath ball having multiple crimps. The string is tied and fixed at the center of the semiproduct, after released from hand, the semiproduct automatically resiliently stretches outward to form the bath ball with flower pattern. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0039116, titled “Body Scrubbing Device,” discloses a body scrubbing device having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined together to form a predetermined shape, preferably a ball-shape. The scrubbing elements are preferably a mesh and cloth. A rope may be secured to the body scrubbing device so as to easily permit a user to hang the device for drying and storage purposes after use. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is a body scrubbing device having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined in the form of a mitt or glove. 
         [0005]    One example of a prior art bath pouf was handed out to users at a trade show more than one year prior to the filing date of this patent application. This prior art bath pouf was handed out at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing trade show during January 2008 located in Destin, Fla. by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. This prior art bath pouf included a nylon mesh bath pouf with an additional minor strip of material tied around the middle of the pouf. The strip of material was made from polyurethane foam. The minor strip of polyurethane foam was previously cut to form individual segments extending from opposite sides of the strip, with an uncut middle portion there between. The segments were cut to directly align the segments with one another on opposite sides of the strip. The segments in this prior art pouf are not offset from one another. Instead, they are directly extending opposite each other. In other words, the cut surfaces of a first segment directly align with the cut surfaces of the segment directly opposite the first segment. Unfortunately with this design, the foam segments have a tendency to rip from the middle portion holding the segments together because of the material nature of the foam and the direct alignment of the segments opposite each other. In addition, the segments are very narrow in width and thickness, as compared to the very significant length of the segments, which makes them more prone to ripping. In order to help avoid the disengagement of the segments, the uncut middle portion is significantly wide enough to provide strength to the overall strip and to present the segments away from the cinched middle portion, thus reducing the possible length of the segments significantly. Additionally, the minor strip of material was provided as an add-on accessory, provided for ornamental appearance and to potentially provide additional lathering ability. The major functionality of the bath pouf is the nylon mesh pouf itself. Inside the nylon pouf, portions of thin films of soap were inserted, where the thin film was flat and the portion was individually heart-shaped. It was intended that the prior art bath pouf could be used one-time use without the need for additional bar soap or liquid soap. After the thin films soap portions were consumed, a user would need to add their own liquid soap. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    One aspect of the present invention provides a body cleansing device. In this embodiment, the body cleansing device comprises: a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip; and a fastener for gathering the middle portion of the strip. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the present invention provides another embodiment of a body cleansing device. In this embodiment, the body cleansing device comprises: a ball formed of a plurality of projecting segments of a material, wherein each segment includes a distal end having a surface; and a fastener for gathering the segments of material. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming a body cleansing device. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a strip of a material and a fastener; cutting the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip; and gathering the middle portion; fastening the middle portion of the strip; and arranging the segments to form a ball. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention will be further explained with reference to the appended Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a top view of one embodiment of a strip of material which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a strip of material which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an yet another alternative embodiment of a strip of material which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top view of one embodiment of a fastener and the strip of material of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the process of forming one embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a fastener and multiple strips of material, illustrating the process of forming one embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the body cleansing device of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    There is a need to provide a body cleansing device which lathers up well with both bar soap and liquid soap or shower gels, and simultaneously provides exfoliation of the skin. 
         [0018]    Prior art bath poufs are typically made of a mesh material, such as nylon. The open mesh design assists shower gels to foam up or lather quickly when combined with water. However, the design could also be deceptive, in that the liquid disappears into the bath pouf rather quickly and a user typically will not realize how much shower gel is required to obtain the lather. Hence, bath poufs tend to help users consume shower gel more quickly, which is most likely why most shower gel companies sell them. In contrast, it is typically more difficult to use a bath pouf with a bar of soap to obtain foam or lather quickly. Rather, the bar of soap squirms around on the bath pouf and does not remove much soap from the bar. The cleansing device of the present invention provides spaces for receiving shower gel, but allows the user to see the amount applied and to meter its use. This assists the user in reducing the amount of shower gel consumed. In addition, the cleansing device assists in removing soap from the soap bar and provides a means for foaming the soap by squeezing the cleansing device. 
         [0019]    The mesh materials of prior art bath poufs typically do not provide exfoliation of the skin. Instead, the mesh pouf balls tend to squirm around and roll over the skin, instead of scrubbing the skin. By using the term “exfoliation,” including the claims, it is meant removing skin cells from the skin. Examples of prior art exfoliation devices include exfoliation mats made from rough cloth and loofa, natural loofa, Buf-Puf™ sponges, sand paper, burlap wash clothes, and the like, all which provide an excellent means of exfoliating the skin, but do not lather up well with soap. The body cleansing device of the present invention provides a device that lathers up well with soap, while providing excellent exfoliation of the skin at the same time. In addition, the cleansing device of the present invention eliminates the need for separate devices, one for cleansing and one for exfoliation, and thus saves time for the user. Lastly, the design of the segments of the body cleansing device of the present invention also provide more exfoliation surfaces, compared to other prior art exfoliation devices. 
         [0020]    Overall, the cleansing device of the present invention provides a friendly, spa-like cleansing device, typically in a pouf-ball shape, that works equally well with both bar soap and liquid soap or shower gel, allowing both to foam up or lather quickly, while simultaneously providing exfoliation action to remove skin cells and clean the skin, all while allowing the user to save time and reduce the amount of shower gel consumed. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a strip  10  of material, which is useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention. The strip  10  is illustrated as being made of a nonwoven material. However, the strip  10  of material may be made from a variety of materials. For example, strip  10  may be made of sponge materials, such as a cellulose sponge, a hydrophilic foam sponge, coiled web, woven materials, nonwoven materials, or laminates or combinations of any of these materials. Preferably, the segment material includes some rigidity, and stiffness to provide segments that are self-supporting. A nonwoven material exhibits the characteristics of lofty strands of material that are crimpled and form bonds at points where they intersect and contact each other. One example of a suitable nonwoven material is commercially available from 3M Company located in St. Paul, Minn. under the trade designation “Buf-Puf.” Buf-Puf™ nonwoven sponges are commercially available in a variety of hardness, to provide different levels of exfoliation to the skin. Another example of a suitable nonwoven material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,022, “Cleansing Pad,” by Chang et. al, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other examples of suitable woven materials include jute, sisal, hemp, flax, or linen. 
         [0022]    The strip of material  10  includes a variety of segments  12 . When using the term “strip” herein, including the claims, it is meant that the form of material has a certain length, width and thickness. The strip  10  is illustrated as a longer, narrow piece of material having a uniform width; however, this configuration is not necessary. For example, the strip may be cut from material in any length, width and thickness desired. Cuts  26  are made through the thickness of the strip  10  to form the segments  12  in desired configuration.  FIG. 1  illustrates one preferred configuration. In strip  10 , the segments  12  are on opposing sides, forming a first plurality of segments  12   a  and a second plurality of segments  12   b , which extend in opposite directions. Between the opposing pluralities of segments  12   a ,  12   b  is an uncut middle portion  28  of the strip  10 . The middle portion  28  connects the segments  12  together. Cuts  26   a  form segments  12   a  and cuts  26   b  form segments  12   b.    
         [0023]    Each segment includes a variety of surfaces or sides. For example, segment  12   a  includes a first major surface  14   a  opposite a second major surface  22   a . Segment  12   a  includes a first cut surface  16   a  opposite a second cut surface  18   a . Each segment  12   a  also includes a distal end  20   a  having a distal end surface  24   a . The distal end  20   a  is located opposite the middle portion  28 . Likewise, segment  12   b  includes a first major surface  14   b  opposite a second major surface  22   b . Segment  12   b  includes a first cut surface  16   b  opposite a second cut surface  18   b . Each segment  12   b  also includes a distal end  20   b  having a distal end surface  24   b . The distal end  20   b  is located opposite the middle portion  28 . Edges are provided where two adjacent surfaces  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24  meet. The multiple surfaces and edges are convenient for providing exfoliation of the skin, when the body cleansing device is rubbed against the skin. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the first and second plurality of segments  12   a ,  12   b  are configured similarly. In another embodiment, the first and second plurality of segments  12   a ,  12   b  all include the same dimensions of length, width, and thickness. However, in alternative embodiments, one plurality of segments  12   a  may be configured differently than the other plurality of segments  12   b . The segments  12  may be all uniform, in that they are configured to be the same size and shape. Uniformly-shaped segments are convenient for continuous cutting of equal sized segments, and are useful for ease of manufacture. However, it is not necessary that the segments  12  be uniform. For example, segments  12   a ,  12   b  adjacent one another could be sized differently, depending on what is desired. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the cuts are configured to provide segments  12  that are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip  10 . For example, first cut surface  16   a  and second cut surface  18   a  of segment  12   a  is offset from first cut surface  16   b  and second cut surface  18   b  of segment  12   b . In other words, the cut surfaces of segments  12   a  and  12   b  are not aligned with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the cut surface  18   a  of segment  12   a  is parallel to cut surface  18   b  of segment  12   b , but cut surface  18   a  is approximately aligned with the middle of segment  12   b . The cuts provide more space for the bath soap to interact with, and thus to provides more lathering ability. Also, the cuts allow space for a user to meter the shower gel consumed. In addition, the cuts provide more surfaces for exfoliation of the body. In addition, the offset cuts  26  forming the offset segments  12  provide a configuration where the individual segments may be provided with a maximum length that extends into the middle portion. This configuration allows lengthy segments  12 , while still maintaining segments in one strip of material  10 . With the offset nature of the segments  12 , this allows the user to gather the plurality of segments easily in the middle portion in one convenient strip, instead of having a plurality of individual rods or segments that are each separated from one another and trying to gather them as a group into a ball. The configuration of the cut segments  12  and the middle portion  28  provide an easy means for gathering the middle portion  28  and compressing or cinching it, without fearing that that segments  12  could be ripped from the middle portion  28  during the process. In addition, in the embodiment of a nonwoven material strip  10 , the nonwoven nature of the fibers being interconnected and bonded to one another randomly helps provide strength between segments  12   a , segments  12   b  opposite segments  12   a , and the middle portion  28  there between, making the segments  12  less prone to tearing from the middle portion  28 . 
         [0026]    For comparison sake, if, the cuts  26   a ,  26   b  were aligned directly across from each other, the segments  12  would be more prone to ripping from the middle portion  28 . For example, if the segments  12  were made from foam, such an a polyurethane foam for instance, and the segments  12   a  and  12   b  were directly aligned opposite from each other, as the prior art 3M bath pouf ball is described in the Background Section, then the foam segments would have a tendency to rip from the middle portion  28 . As the polyurethane foam segments in ball form are rubbed against the skin, stress would be placed on the cinched middle portion, causing the segments to rip from the middle portion. Alternatively, in order to avoid the disengagement of the segments, the middle portion would need to be significantly wide enough to provide strength to the overall strip and to present the segments away from the cinched middle portion, thus reducing the possible length of the segments  12  significantly. If instead, the segments  12  were made from woven or nonwoven materials and the segments were provided in the offset configuration of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the segments  12  have a tendency to remain intact when the body cleansing device is used against the skin, both because of the internal strength of the materials and because of the offset design. 
         [0027]    In the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 1 , one half of the top right segment  12   a  is protruding along the top right portion of the strip  10  and another half of the bottom left segment  12   b  is protruding along the bottom left portion of the material strip  10 . This configuration is convenient for aligning the fastener in the middle portion  28  of the strip, with the corners between the outermost two segments  12   a ,  12   b  serving as an anchor for the fastener (shown in  FIG. 4 ). However, to provide a more rectangular strip of material, those half segments may be cut off to provide a material strip  10  with flush ends. 
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment, the cut surfaces  16  and  18  of the same segment  12  may be cut at different angles relative to each other and not be parallel. In another alternative embodiment, the cut surface  16  of one segment  12  and the cut surface  18  of an adjacent segment  12  may be cut at different angles relative to each other and not be parallel. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 2 and 3  provide alternative strips of material  10 ′,  10 ″ that are also useful for making the body cleansing device of the present invention. The segments  12  in  FIG. 2  are configured the same as the segments in  FIG. 1 , except that the distal ends  20  are cut to provide different shaped distal end surfaces  18 . The distal surfaces  24  are cut to provide a zigzag arrangement, and provide a variety of alternating sharp points and valleys. In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cut surfaces  16  are not the same sized surfaces, but rather alternate between a shorter and longer surface. Similarly, cut surfaces  18  alternate between a shorter and longer surface. In  FIG. 3 , the distal ends  20  are cut to provide a sinusoidal arrangement, and provide a variety of alternating softer hills and valleys. Also in  FIG. 3 , the cut surfaces  16 ,  18  are cut to provide a sinusoidal arrangement. 
         [0030]    The distal ends  20  may be arranged in any shape desired. For example, the distal end  20  may be in the shape of a rectangle, square, trapezoid, triangle, wave, or oval. The shape of the distal end  20  may be chosen by one skilled in the art to provide either a more spherical shape or a less spherical shape to the ball. The distal end  20  may include an exfoliating surface, which may be the same texture or different from the other surfaces of the segment  12 . 
         [0031]    In one particular embodiment of cleansing device of the present invention, where the cleansing device is made from a nonwoven material, it is possible to use multiple hardness nonwovens as a way to provide different levels of exfoliation of the skin. For example, a suitable nonwoven material is commercially available under the trade designation Buf-Puf from 3M Company, based in St. Paul, Minn. and provides different hardness of materials ranging from extra gentle, to gentle, to regular exfoliation levels. 
         [0032]    Segments  12  may be formed to optimize the fullness of the ball  32  ultimately formed, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . For example, the volume of the ball may be half to four times the volume of the strip. (Volume ratios in the range of 0.5:1 to 4:1.) One example of a strip  10  that provides this ratio is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 1 inch thick (2.54 cm.), which includes 16 segments. A nonwoven web cut to these dimension provides a flat unfolded volume of 36.00 cubic inches (589.93 cm 3 ). When the strip or web  10  is cinched at the midpoint along the middle portion  28 , it creates a spherical ball  32  of 5 inches in diameter. The volume of this ball  32  (4/3×π×radius 3 ) is 65.45 cubic inches (1072.53 cm 3 ). The volume of the ball to the strip has been increased by a factor of 1.92. The 1″ thick strip or web  10  fills the volume of the ball  32  sufficiently to provide a pleasant appearance. 
         [0033]    Another example of a strip  10  that provides the preferred ratio of ball volume to strip volume is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 2 inches thick (5.08 cm), which includes 16 segments. A nonwoven web cut to these dimension provides a flat unfolded volume of 72 cubic inches (1 179.87 cm 3 ). When the strip or web  10  is cinched at the midpoint along the middle portion  28 , it creates a spherical ball  32  of 5 inches in diameter. The volume of this ball  32  (4/3×π×radius 3 ) is 65.45 cubic inches. (1072.53 cm 3 ). The volume of the ball to the strip has been changed by a factor of 0.91. In this embodiment, the ball becomes fuller and tighter, but is still functional. 
         [0034]    Yet another example of a strip  10  that provides the preferred ratio of ball volume to strip volume is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 3 inches thick (7.2 cm.), which includes 16 segments. A nonwoven web cut to these dimension provides a flat unfolded volume of 108 cubic inches (1769.80 cm 3 ). When the strip or web  10  is cinched at the midpoint along the middle portion  28 , it creates a spherical ball  32  of 5 inches (12.7 cm.) in diameter. The volume of this ball  32  (4/3×π×radius 3 ) is 65.45 cubic inches (1072.53 cm 3 ). The volume of the ball to the strip has been changed by a factor of 0.61. In this embodiment, the segments of the ball becomes closer together, providing a more full and tight ball with less space between the segments. 
         [0035]    In another optimized embodiment, the segments  12  each include a thickness, width and length and are generally in a form of a parallel piped. In one particular embodiment, the ratio of length to width to thickness is 8 to 4 to 1. In another optimized embodiment, the ratio of length to width to thickness is 8 to 4.5 to 1. Depending on what is desired, the segments may be sized to provide a more segmented or leggy ball, where the segments are spaced apart, or the segments may be sized to provide a denser, tighter ball, where the segments have less space between adjacent segments. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are convenient for illustrating the method of forming the body cleansing device of the present invention. A strip of material  10  is provided and a fastener  30 . The strip of material is cut or formed to provide a plurality of segments  12  and a middle portion  28 , as described above relative to  FIG. 1 . The fastener  30  is used to gather the middle portion  28  of the strip  10  to cinch, clench, constrict or secure the middle portion  28  together. In doing so, the segments  12  are then arranged to extend outwardly from the clinched middle portion  28  and fastener  30  to form a ball or spherical shaped body cleansing device  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In the ball form, the distal ends  20  are extending outwardly opposite the center of the ball  32 , which is the middle portion tied together. In this configuration, the distal end surfaces  24  are convenient for contacting the skin, as a user rubs the ball  32  against their body while cleansing. Preferably the distal end surfaces  24  provide individual exfoliation surfaces to exfoliate the skin. The individual exfoliation surfaces  24  form together an exfoliation surface of the ball  32 . The exfoliation surfaces  24  may be made of a nonwoven material, a foam sponge, or cellulose sponge or laminates thereof. The exfoliation surface  24  may be made of the same material or of a different material as the rest of the segment  12 . For example, separate exfoliations surfaces  24  may be attached to the distal end  20  of the segments  12 . Example ways for providing attachment include spraying the distal ends  20  with a binder and abrasive mixtures of talc or natural abrasive particles, such as ground up walnuts shells or olive pits. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment of the method of forming the body cleansing device, the strip  10  may be first folded in half lengthwise, before the fastener  30  gathers the middle portion  28 . This extra step assists in aligning the segments prior to cinching the middle portion  28 . Also, this extra step assists in holding additional materials, such as a cellulose sponge segment  34  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0038]    Fastener  30  may be any fastener known to those skilled in the art. For example, fastener  30  may be string, rope, cord, or a zip tie. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrate another embodiment of the material strip  10  and body cleansing device of the present invention. The body cleansing device  32   a  of  FIG. 6  is just like the body cleansing device  32  of  FIG. 5 , except that instead of providing a single web or strip  10 , it includes two separate strips  10   a  and  10   b , and also a third strip of material  34  located between strip  10   a  and  10   b . Strips  10   a  and  10   b  both include a plurality of segments  12 , as described above. However, strips  10   a  and  10   b  may be made from different materials. For example, strip  10   a  could be made from an extra gentle nonwoven exfoliation material and strip  10   b  could be made from a regular nonwoven exfoliation material. 
         [0040]    The body cleansing device  32   a  may also include an optional second strip of material  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, the strip of material  34  is formed from a cellulose sponge material. This embodiment is convenient for providing water retention to the body cleansing device  32 . As illustrated, the material strip  34  includes two distal ends that extend beyond the distal ends of the strips  10   a  and  10   b . However, the material strip  34  may include distal ends that align with the distal ends of the strips  10   a  and  10   b . The material strip  34  is illustrated as a parallel piped, however, it may be configured to be any shape useful for creating the body cleansing device. 
         [0041]    The body cleansing device of the present invention provides the advantage of being able to select multiple types of cleaning materials  10  and/or other optional material strips  34  to provide a customized body cleansing device. 
         [0042]    The body cleansing device of the present invention also provides spaces between adjacent segments  12  to allow a user to meter the dose of shower gel consumed. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates yet another embodiment of the body cleansing device  32   a  of the present invention. The strips  10   a ,  10   b , strip  34 , and fastener  30  of  FIG. 6  are used to make the body cleansing device  32   a  of  FIG. 7 , as described above. Segments  12  in this embodiment are made from a combination of a nonwoven material  40  and a sponge material  42 . The two materials may be laminated together or formed together by nonwater soluble laminating adhesives. The two materials may be formed together so that the distal ends of material layer  40  and material layer  42  are continuous. Alternatively, the distal ends of the respective material layers  40 ,  42  may be separated, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . For example, the segments  12  may include either horizontal or vertical cuts through the distal ends through a portion of the segment For instance, for the segment  12  could include a horizontal cut through half or a third of the length of the segment. This embodiment would provide additional exfoliation surfaces. 
         [0044]    The invention will be further explained with the following illustrative examples. The particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. A description of the strip of material utilized in these examples is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,284, “Body Cleansing Device,” Orentreich, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       Example 1 
       [0045]    A series of parallel, offset cuts were made in a section of web 4.5 inches wide by 8 inches long by 1 inch thick. The cuts extended approximately 2.25 inches into the web and were spaced approximately 1 inch apart which. A series of 1 inch square thick segments were formed, extending outwardly from the middle portion of the web. After cutting, the web was folded upon itself longitudinally and cinched in the middle portion, (with a fastener made of commercially available cotton cord), forming a ball approximately 5 inches in diameter. The ratio of strip volume to ball volume is approximately 36:65 or 1:1.8. In this configuration, the volume of the web is approximately 55% of the ball volume. 
       Example 2 
       [0046]    A strip of material was prepared as in Example 1, but a second, 1 inch thick by 1 inch width by 4.5 inch cellulose cleansing device segment was enveloped within the web during the folding process. The segments were then bound in the middle portion as before. This process allows for multiple-composition cleansing devices. 
         [0047]    Different sized strips of material may be utilized to produce different variations on the inventive cleansing device. For example, a wider strip may produce a ball with longer, more flexible segments. In this case, the ratio of strip volume to ball volume may be less than 50%. A narrow strip of material with shorter segments may have a volume greater than 50% of the ball volume. It is also envisioned that the depth of the cuts can also be adjusted to affect the appearance and cleansing ability, and exfoliation ability of the device. Modifications are easily made to allow for a variety of cleansing devices with different exfoliating abilities. 
         [0048]    The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. All patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein, but rather by the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures.

Technology Category: a