CA2207693C - Back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall - Google Patents
Back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2207693C CA2207693C CA 2207693 CA2207693A CA2207693C CA 2207693 C CA2207693 C CA 2207693C CA 2207693 CA2207693 CA 2207693 CA 2207693 A CA2207693 A CA 2207693A CA 2207693 C CA2207693 C CA 2207693C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wall
- end portion
- members
- central area
- attached
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K7/00—Body washing or cleaning implements
- A47K7/02—Bathing sponges, brushes, gloves, or similar cleaning or rubbing implements
- A47K7/022—Bathing sponges, brushes, gloves, or similar cleaning or rubbing implements for washing the back, e.g. bath straps
- A47K7/024—Bathing sponges, brushes, gloves, or similar cleaning or rubbing implements for washing the back, e.g. bath straps characterised by a wall or bath tub mounting
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
- A61H2205/08—Trunk
- A61H2205/081—Back
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
Abstract
A back cleaning and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall, comprising an elongated backing strip of resilient material having a central area adapted to be firmly attached at its rear to the shower wall, a first, lower end portion which is convexly curved and which terminates at an end close to the wall, and a second, upper end portion which slopes outwardly and away from the wall. Two compressible sponge-like members are attached one each to an outer surface of the end portions, and are suitable for cleaning a person's back when rubbed against these members.
Description
The present invention relates to a device allowing a person to clean and massage his or her back while taking a shower.
Prior Art Because many people have difficulty washing their backs efficiently, particularly if afflicted with arthritis, for example, it has previously been proposed to mount a sponge-type cleaning device on a wall of a shower, or possibly on a wall above a bathtub, against which a person can rub his or her back. Such a sponge device may also act as a back massager. It may be soaped before each use, or may have its own means for dispensing soap. Such devices are described in the following patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,068, issued September 29, 1987 to Kenner;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,389, which issued January 11, 1994 to Ballares et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,635, which issued May 17, 1994 to Moore.
The devices shown in these patents may be suitable for washing, but would seem to be limited in their massaging effect. Firstly, the fact that they are attached by suction cups limits the force which can be applied to them. Secondly, - . CA 02207693 1997-06-13 they rely on the resilience of the sponge material, since the backing for the sponge material is close to the wall and is not much subject to flexing, so that the amount of "spring"
movement is limited.
The present invention has as its object to provide a back scrubber/massager of substantial height, and of vertically elongated shape best suited to massaging. Also, it provides a device in which the backing material for the sponge material slants or curves away from the wall and can flex substantially to accommodate different back shapes and to enhance the massaging operation. The fact that the device is vertically elongated means that although remaining fixed in position it can be used by persons of different heights.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall or bathtub, comprises:
1) an elongated strip of resilient backing material having;
a) a central area adapted to be attached at its rear to said wall;
b) a first, normally lower, end portion which is - . CA 02207693 1997-06-13 convexly curved and which terminates at an end close to the wall to which the central area is attached, and c) a second, normally upper, end portion which slopes outwardly and away from the wall.
Prior Art Because many people have difficulty washing their backs efficiently, particularly if afflicted with arthritis, for example, it has previously been proposed to mount a sponge-type cleaning device on a wall of a shower, or possibly on a wall above a bathtub, against which a person can rub his or her back. Such a sponge device may also act as a back massager. It may be soaped before each use, or may have its own means for dispensing soap. Such devices are described in the following patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,068, issued September 29, 1987 to Kenner;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,389, which issued January 11, 1994 to Ballares et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,635, which issued May 17, 1994 to Moore.
The devices shown in these patents may be suitable for washing, but would seem to be limited in their massaging effect. Firstly, the fact that they are attached by suction cups limits the force which can be applied to them. Secondly, - . CA 02207693 1997-06-13 they rely on the resilience of the sponge material, since the backing for the sponge material is close to the wall and is not much subject to flexing, so that the amount of "spring"
movement is limited.
The present invention has as its object to provide a back scrubber/massager of substantial height, and of vertically elongated shape best suited to massaging. Also, it provides a device in which the backing material for the sponge material slants or curves away from the wall and can flex substantially to accommodate different back shapes and to enhance the massaging operation. The fact that the device is vertically elongated means that although remaining fixed in position it can be used by persons of different heights.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall or bathtub, comprises:
1) an elongated strip of resilient backing material having;
a) a central area adapted to be attached at its rear to said wall;
b) a first, normally lower, end portion which is - . CA 02207693 1997-06-13 convexly curved and which terminates at an end close to the wall to which the central area is attached, and c) a second, normally upper, end portion which slopes outwardly and away from the wall.
2) a pair of compressible sponge-like members, one attached to an outer surface of each of the end portions, and suitable for cleaning the back and shoulders of a person when being rubbed against said members.
The resilient material is molded of fiberglass reinforced resin of between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thickness, and preferably 3/16 inch thickness, having a width of between 2 and 4 inches.
Preferably, the central area is provided with holes for screws to attach the device to the wall. Thus, unlike prior art devices, it is possible to exert considerably massaging force to this device without dislodging it.
The second or upper end portion preferably also has a convex curvature, but it is less curved than the first portion, and its outer end is spaced well away from the wall, for example between 1 1/2 inches and 3 inches.
The device has an overall length of more than 15 inches, and preferably more than 18 inches. The length of the strip of material is more than 5 times its width.
Brief Description of the drawinqs A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device, as attached to the wall of a shower bath;
Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the backing strip of the device from which the sponge members have been removed; and Fig. 3 are side views of the sponge members.
Detailed DescriPtion Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the device 10 attached by means of screws 12 to a shower bath wall W at a position chosen to conform to the height of the expected user.
The main structural component of the device is an elongated rectangular backing strip 14, shown in front view in Fig. 2, and having a central area 14a with two laterally spaced holes 15 through which the screws 12 can pass to hold the rear of the central area against the wall. The strip 14 has a length of a little more than 18 inches, and a width of slightly less than 3 inches, so having a length to width ratio of more than 6:1 and preferably at least 5:1. It is molded of fiberglass reinforced resin, of 3/16 inch thickness, and is resilient.
As seen in Fig. 1, the strip 14 has a first, lower end portion 14b which is convexly curved or bowed so that its center is spaced away from the wall by about 3/4 inch or more, while its lower end can rest against the wall. The second, upper end portion 14c of the strip, adapted to wash the upper back and shoulders, is angled out from the wall so that its outer end is preferably over 2 inches, and at least 1 1/2 inches, away from the wall. The upper end portion 14c of the strip has upper and a lower holes 16 for receiving and retaining spigots 20 of an upper sponge-like member 21, and the lower end portion 14b has upper and lower holes 22 for receiving and retaining spigots 23 of a lower sponge-like member 24.
The sponge-like members 21 and 24 are shown separately in Fig. 3. Each comprises an elongated body of sponge or foam rubber material, rectangular in outline and cross-section, having a width similar to that of the backing strip and having a depth of about half its width. Each member has a reinforced backing 25, providing an anchor point for the spigots 20 and 23, which are each situated about one inch from an end of the member. The spigots are such that they are an interference fit in holes 16 and 22 so as to be retained in these holes.
The spigots can however be removed if it is desired to replace the sponge-like members with new material. Sponges with screw thread and butterfly nut attachments, which are commercially available, can also be used.
In use, with the device mounted by screws 12, and with the sponge-like members 21 and 24 in place, the device can be used by a person rubbing his/her back, with the member 24 contacting the center of the back and the member 21 contacting the shoulders and upper back. The user can press against the device so as to not only compress the sponge members, but also to flex the backing strip to accommodate different body shapes.
The resilient material is molded of fiberglass reinforced resin of between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thickness, and preferably 3/16 inch thickness, having a width of between 2 and 4 inches.
Preferably, the central area is provided with holes for screws to attach the device to the wall. Thus, unlike prior art devices, it is possible to exert considerably massaging force to this device without dislodging it.
The second or upper end portion preferably also has a convex curvature, but it is less curved than the first portion, and its outer end is spaced well away from the wall, for example between 1 1/2 inches and 3 inches.
The device has an overall length of more than 15 inches, and preferably more than 18 inches. The length of the strip of material is more than 5 times its width.
Brief Description of the drawinqs A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device, as attached to the wall of a shower bath;
Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the backing strip of the device from which the sponge members have been removed; and Fig. 3 are side views of the sponge members.
Detailed DescriPtion Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the device 10 attached by means of screws 12 to a shower bath wall W at a position chosen to conform to the height of the expected user.
The main structural component of the device is an elongated rectangular backing strip 14, shown in front view in Fig. 2, and having a central area 14a with two laterally spaced holes 15 through which the screws 12 can pass to hold the rear of the central area against the wall. The strip 14 has a length of a little more than 18 inches, and a width of slightly less than 3 inches, so having a length to width ratio of more than 6:1 and preferably at least 5:1. It is molded of fiberglass reinforced resin, of 3/16 inch thickness, and is resilient.
As seen in Fig. 1, the strip 14 has a first, lower end portion 14b which is convexly curved or bowed so that its center is spaced away from the wall by about 3/4 inch or more, while its lower end can rest against the wall. The second, upper end portion 14c of the strip, adapted to wash the upper back and shoulders, is angled out from the wall so that its outer end is preferably over 2 inches, and at least 1 1/2 inches, away from the wall. The upper end portion 14c of the strip has upper and a lower holes 16 for receiving and retaining spigots 20 of an upper sponge-like member 21, and the lower end portion 14b has upper and lower holes 22 for receiving and retaining spigots 23 of a lower sponge-like member 24.
The sponge-like members 21 and 24 are shown separately in Fig. 3. Each comprises an elongated body of sponge or foam rubber material, rectangular in outline and cross-section, having a width similar to that of the backing strip and having a depth of about half its width. Each member has a reinforced backing 25, providing an anchor point for the spigots 20 and 23, which are each situated about one inch from an end of the member. The spigots are such that they are an interference fit in holes 16 and 22 so as to be retained in these holes.
The spigots can however be removed if it is desired to replace the sponge-like members with new material. Sponges with screw thread and butterfly nut attachments, which are commercially available, can also be used.
In use, with the device mounted by screws 12, and with the sponge-like members 21 and 24 in place, the device can be used by a person rubbing his/her back, with the member 24 contacting the center of the back and the member 21 contacting the shoulders and upper back. The user can press against the device so as to not only compress the sponge members, but also to flex the backing strip to accommodate different body shapes.
Claims (6)
1. A back cleaning and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall, comprising:
1) an elongated backing strip of resilient material having;
a) a central area adapted to be firmly attached at its rear to said wall;
b) a first end portion which is convexly curved and which terminates at an end close to said wall to which the central area is attached, and c) a second end portion which slopes outwardly and away from said wall,
1) an elongated backing strip of resilient material having;
a) a central area adapted to be firmly attached at its rear to said wall;
b) a first end portion which is convexly curved and which terminates at an end close to said wall to which the central area is attached, and c) a second end portion which slopes outwardly and away from said wall,
2) a pair of compressible sponge-like members, one attached to an outer surface of each said end portions, and suitable for cleaning a person's back when rubbed against said members.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said backing strip is fiberglass reinforced resin of between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thickness, having a width of between 2 and 4 inches.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said backing strip is fiberglass reinforced resin of between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thickness, having a width of between 2 and 4 inches.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said central area is provided with holes for screws to attach the device to said wall.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second end portion also has a convex curvature.
5. A device according to claim 1, having an overall length of more than 15 inches.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the backing strip is more than 5 times its width.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207693 CA2207693C (en) | 1997-06-13 | 1997-06-13 | Back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207693 CA2207693C (en) | 1997-06-13 | 1997-06-13 | Back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2207693A1 CA2207693A1 (en) | 1998-12-13 |
| CA2207693C true CA2207693C (en) | 2000-08-01 |
Family
ID=4160881
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207693 Expired - Fee Related CA2207693C (en) | 1997-06-13 | 1997-06-13 | Back washing and massaging device for mounting on a shower wall |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2207693C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2413065A (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2005-10-19 | Almuano Rainier Dent D | Back scrubbing brush |
| CA2565942C (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2013-01-15 | Bruno Oberli | Body care brush |
| US7155769B1 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2007-01-02 | Catherine Baker | Back scrubber |
-
1997
- 1997-06-13 CA CA 2207693 patent/CA2207693C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2207693A1 (en) | 1998-12-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |