IL202481A

IL202481A - Sponge with an inner capsule which contains soap

Info

Publication number: IL202481A
Application number: IL202481A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Shimon Avshalom
Priority date: 2009-12-03
Filing date: 2009-12-03
Publication date: 2014-11-30
Also published as: IL202481A0; WO2011067750A1; US20120233795A1

Description

•px rfr-onn w nViosp DV nrrn also A Sponge with an Inner Soap Capsule 202481/2 Description TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention refers to a wash sponge with an inner capsule that contains soap.

BACKGROUND ART Many people use wash sponges, for instance to wash dishes, as a bath sponge, and for cleaning and washing various accessories. It is known that the inventor has prior art that refers to wash sponges that contain soap that are based on two methods.

First method: Sponges that contain a piece of solid soap such that the soap is dissolved upon contact with the water and soap suds are formed on the sponge. This method is problematic since it is inefficient and since the solid soap does not actually dissolve upon contact with the water, but rather requires the solid soap to be rubbed, which is not possible since it is concealed within the sponge.

Second method: Sponges that contain a relatively pliable capsule that contains liquid soap that flows out of the capsule into the sponge through small holes in the capsule. In this case, squeezing the sponge actually squeezes the capsule, causing liquid soap to flow from the inner capsule out into the sponge. 202481/3 THE INVENTION The main and primary objectives of the present invention are: (a) To provide the user with a wash sponge with an inner capsule that contains soap; (b) to provide a sponge as mentioned, such that there is no significant flow of liquid soap into the sponge when the user's hand applies pressure to the sponge during its use; (c) to provide a sponge as mentioned, such that only intentional squeezing of the sponge leads to the flow of liquid soap into the sponge.

The present invention refers to a sponge (1) with an inner capsule (2) that contains soap (3). Drawing No. 1 depicts a cross-section of the sponge (1) that contains an inner capsule (2) with soap (3).

The sponge (1) can be one of a wide variety of existing sponges, such as sponges designed for washing dishes, bath sponges, and a wide variety of sponges for various uses. For the sake of fluency, the term "wash sponge" will hereinafter refer to the entire variety of said sponges intended for the variety of aforementioned uses. The sponge (1) has the general shape of a flattened rectangular cube having relatively wide top (11) and bottom (12) sides and two longitudinal narrow sides (13) (14). Note: the terms top side and bottom side refer only to the larger and wider sides of the sponge (1) as depicted in the drawings, whereas in reality, none of the sides of the sponge (1) and the capsule (2) are designated as being the top side. 202481/2 THE INVENTION The main and primary objectives of the present invention are: (a) To provide the user with a wash sponge with an inner capsule that contains soap; (b) to provide a sponge as mentioned, such that there is no significant flow of liquid soap into the sponge when the user's hand applies pressure to the sponge during its use; (c) to provide a sponge as mentioned, such that only intentional squeezing of the sponge leads to the flow of liquid soap into the sponge.

The sponge (1) can be one of a wide variety of existing sponges, such as sponges designed for washing dishes, bath sponges, and a wide variety of sponges for various uses. For the sake of fluency, the term "wash sponge" will hereinafter refer to the entire variety of said sponges intended for the variety of aforementioned uses. The sponge (1) has the general shape of a flattened rectangular cube. 202481/3 The holes (4) in the capsule (2): The capsule (2) has one or more holes (4), although it is recommended that the capsule (2) have several holes, on the wide top and bottom sides (21) (22) of the capsule, as depicted for instance in Drawing No. 2. The main innovation of the present invention is that the hole (4) is structured such that when pressure is applied (mainly vertical pressure) on the wide top and bottom sides (11) (12) of the sponge (1) and by that also on the wide top and bottom sides (21) (22) of the capsule (2), there is no significant flow of soap through the holes (4) from the capsule into the sponge and in fact such vertical pressure closes the holes (4). On the other hand, when the user holds the sponge (1) and applied horizontal pressure to the narrow sides (12) 13) of the sponge (1) an by that to the narrow sides (23) (24) of the capsule, it cause the opening of the holes (4) and soap flows from the capsule through the holes into the sponge. The innovative structure of the holes (4) enables the user to control the flow of soap (3) from the capsule into the sponge.

In other words, the holes (4) serve as a kind of valve.

Design and structure of the hole (4): The hole (4) is made by making a small circumferential cut in the wide side of the capsule. The cut is made in an incomplete manner such that the cut flap (41) remains attached to the capsule, as depicted for instance in Drawings Nos. 2 and 3. The cut part (41), hereinafter referred to as "the flap", remains attached to the capsule along one section. When no pressure is applied on the capsule, the flap (41) is in its original and normal position just as before the cut, so that in fact the hole is not visible and is closed, thus preventing the soap from flowing out through it. 202481/2 The holes (4) in the capsule (2): The capsule (2) has one or more holes (4), although it is recommended that the capsule (2) have several holes, on the wide top and bottom sides (21) (22) of the capsule, as depicted for instance in Drawing No. 2. The main innovation of the present invention is that the hole (4) is structured such that when pressure is applied (mainly vertical pressure) on the wide, top and bottom sides (21) (22) of the capsule (2), there is no significant flow of soap through the holes (4) from the capsule into the sponge. On the other hand, when horizontal pressure is applied to the narrow sides (23) (24) of the capsule, soap flows from the capsule through the holes into the sponge. The innovative structure of the holes (4) enables the user to control the flow of soap (3) from the capsule into the sponge. In other words, the holes (4) serve as a kind of valve.

Design and structure of the hole (4): The hole (4) is made by making a small circumferential cut in the wide side of the capsule. The cut is made in an incomplete manner such that the cut flap (41) remains attached to the capsule, as depicted for instance in Drawings Nos. 2 and 3. The cut part (41), hereinafter referred to as "the flap", remains attached to the capsule along one section. When no pressure is applied on the capsule, the flap (41) is in its original and normal position just as before the cut, so that in fact the hole is not visible and is closed, thus preventing the soap from flowing out through it. 202481/2 Drawing No. 2 depicts the holes (4) with closed flaps (41) whereas Drawing No. 3 depicts the holes (4) with open flaps (41).

Incidental pressure on the sponge: When the user squeezes the sponge, applying vertical pressure on the wide sides of the sponge (and capsule) - pressure that is applied naturally while using the sponge, then the sponge (1) itself compresses onto the wide side (21) (22) of the capsule (2) and the sponge actually presses downward on the flaps (41) causing them to close the holes (41) and preventing any (significant) flow of soap out of the capsule. Intentional pressure on the sponge: When the user squeezes the sponge, exerting horizontal pressure on the narrow sides of the capsule, pressure that is not exerted naturally during the use of the sponge, then the flaps (41) are pushed upward and the holes (4) open, enabling the soap to flow out of the capsule. Thus, the user can control the flow of soap out of the capsule into the sponge in a good and effective manner.

The holes (4) can have a variety of shapes with the common property that squeezing the narrow sides (23) (24) of the capsule (2) causes the holes (4) to open and the soap to flow out. The hole (4) can also be a simple cut that, due to the thickness of the capsule's side, opens when pressure is applied to the narrow sides of the capsule, as depicted for instance in Drawing No. 4. The soap (3) within the capsule (2) can be in a variety of states of matter, although it is preferable that it be a gel or even a (relatively viscous) liquid, and the size of the holes must correspond to the viscosity of the soap (3). 202481/2 While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

As mentioned in the application, the capsule (2) can be made of a variety of pliable materials. One such material is a nylon bag, which can function as a capsule (2) as required for the product, subject of the invention. Nylon bags (2) of various thicknesses can be used, although the inventor recommends that they be 0.25 mm. thick. The nylon bag (2) used should be perforated as described in the application and should have between six and ten holes (4) on each side. The diameter of such holes (4) should be approximately 0.01 mm. When the sponge (1) contains a capsule (2) made of a nylon bag as described above, with the aforementioned thickness and with holes (4) with the aforementioned diameter, then the application of normal pressure [i.e. the pressure applied by an average use on the sponge (1) when using it to wash dishes, for instance] will not cause (significant) flow of soap from the capsule (2). When, however, stronger and intentional pressure is applied to the said sponge (1) containing the said nylon bag capsule (2), soap will flow from the capsule (2), enabling effective and good use of the sponge (1). 202481/2 Abstract A wash sponge with a pliable, inner capsule that contains soap and has several holes. When the capsule is squeezed it discharges soap into the sponge. The holes, which are in fact cuts made in the sides of the capsule, serve as a kind of valve system that controls the flow of soap from the capsule into the sponge. The cuts are made in such a way that the entire circumference of the hole is not cut, and a flap if formed that remains attached to the capsule. When horizontal pressure is applied to the sponge (and the capsule), the holes open and the soap can flow out into the sponge; however, when incidental, vertical pressure is applied to the sponge (and capsule), the holes do not open significantly and soap does not flow out through the holes.

Claims

8 202481/3 Claims What is claimed is:

1. A wash sponge with an inner capsule that contains soap, that has one or more holes; wherein said sponge and capsule have wide top and bottom sides and two longitudinal narrow sides; wherein said capsule is made of a pliable material that can be squeezed and is designed as a sealed packet with holes; wherein said holes are made by cutting the side of the capsule such that the holes open when horizontal pressure is applied to the longitudinal narrow sides of the sponge and remain sufficiently closed when vertical pressure is applied to said wide top and bottom sides of the sponge; wherein said horizontal pressure can be made by the user while pressing on said longitudinal narrow sides of the sponge and wherein said vertical pressure can be made by the user while pressing on said wide top and bottom sides of the sponge.