US20210244240A1

US20210244240A1 - Washcloth system for personal hygiene

Info

Publication number: US20210244240A1
Application number: US17/167,407
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy White
Original assignee: Crud Cloth LLC
Current assignee: Aeromind LLC
Priority date: 2020-02-07
Filing date: 2021-02-04
Publication date: 2021-08-12

Abstract

A washcloth system for personal hygiene can include a washcloth, an outer bag, and a pod. The outer bag can be configured to receive the washcloth therein. The pod can be positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth. The pod can include an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance. The membrane can be configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to Timothy White U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/971,487, entitled “REUSABLE WASHCLOTH SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE,” filed on Feb. 7, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. 5524.001PRV), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Personal hygiene is important for maintaining a healthy body. However, a supply of clean water is not always available for bathing, such as for a bath or shower. Alternative hygiene products can be used in such situations where water is unavailable, and include moist toilettes or wet wipes (e.g., baby wipes). However, such hygiene products can be ineffective or inconvenient for thorough cleaning or washing of a large portion of the body. In addition, moist toilettes and wet wipes may not be environmentally sustainable because most are meant for single use only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a washcloth system.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of a washcloth system.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a washcloth system.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a portion of a washcloth system in a first condition.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of a portion of a washcloth system in a second condition.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a washcloth system in a first condition.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a washcloth system in a second condition.

FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of a washcloth system in a third condition.

FIG. 3D illustrates a front view of a washcloth system in a fourth condition.

FIG. 3E illustrates a front view of the washcloth system 100 in a fifth condition.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a washcloth system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While there are many products available for personal hygiene when bathing is not an option, many can be ineffective or inconvenient for thorough cleaning or washing of the entire body or large portions of the body. Such products can also be ineffective or inefficient at removing a large amount of dirt, such as dry mud. A wetted washcloth can be a more effective tool for cleaning a large portion of a body of the user. To use a wetted washcloth where showering and bathing is not available requires the user to carry the washcloth, water, and soap (or a surfactant). In many circumstances, carrying this combination of items can be inconvenient. One solution is to provide a pre-wetted washcloth that is preserved in a sealed bag; however, such a washcloth can have a limited shelf life.
This disclosure helps to address these problems by providing a washcloth system that includes a dry cloth in a sealed container with a pod of liquid separated from the washcloth. The pod of liquid can include a surfactant (such as a soap) or fragrance. When it is desired to use the cloth, the pod can be ruptured allowing the liquid to interact with the washcloth while the outer bag contains the liquid or fluid. The washcloth can be worked by hand while still within the bag to absorb the liquid so that the washcloth can become wetted. The washcloth can then be removed from the bag and used for cleaning such as personal hygiene. Such a washcloth system can have an increased shelf life because the liquid is separated from organic material (the washcloth). Shelf life of the washcloth system can be further increased by sterilizing the liquid within the pod. Further, such a system can allow for reuse of the washcloth or the outer bag with a new pod, which can help save cost and can help reduce waste.
The above discussion is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The description below is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a washcloth system 100. FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the washcloth system. FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the washcloth system 100. FIGS. 1A-1C are discussed below concurrently.
The washcloth system 100 can include an outer bag 102, a washcloth 104, and a pod 106. The outer bag 102 can include an upper seal 108 and a lower seal 110. The pod 106 can include a pod seal 112. The washcloth system 100 can also include surfactant portions 114 a-114 n. Also shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is fluid f and volumes V1 and V2.
The outer bag 102 can be a bag or container configured to enclose and support the components of the washcloth system 100 therein. The outer bag 102 can be made of materials such as one or more of plastics, metals, or the like. The upper seal 108 can be a seal on the upper portion of the outer bag 102 and the lower seal 110 can be a seal on the bottom portion of the outer bag 102. One or more of the upper seal 108 and the lower seal 110 can be a reusable or reclosable seal. Also, one or more of the upper seal 108 and the lower seal 110 can be a hermetic seal, such as a thermal seal, adhesive seal, or the like. In any example, the outer bag 102 can be impermeable and can be hermetically sealed when the upper seal 108 and the lower seal 110 are sealed. In some examples, the outer bag 102 can be under vacuum (vacuum seal or vacuum pressure) when the pod 106 or washcloth 104 are within the outer bag 102.
The washcloth 104 can be a cloth or rag configured for wet cleaning of skin and hair. The washcloth 104 can be made of one or more of natural and synthetic materials, such as cotton (e.g., 100% cotton), microfiber, bamboo, polyester, hemp or the like. The washcloth 104 can be sized and shaped to be stored within the volume V1 of the outer bag 102 for extended periods. The washcloth 104 can be dry when inserted in the outer bag 102 adjacent the pod 106 (before rupturing of the pod 106, as discussed in further detail below). In some examples, the washcloth 104 can be configured to support one or more of the surfactant portions 114 a-114 n thereon or therein.
The pod 106 can be a membrane, bag, or container configured to enclose the fluid fin the volume V2 defined by a membrane 116 of the pod 106. The volume V2 can be at least partially defined by the pod seal 112 which can be a hermetic seal, such as an adhesive seal, a thermal seal, or the like. The pod 106 can be positionable within the outer bag 102 adjacent the washcloth 104. Though the seal 112 is shown as being positioned on a top portion of the pod 106, the pod seal 112 can be on the bottom or either side of the pod 106. Optionally, the fluid f within the pod 106 can be other fluids, such as an alcohol, a polishing agent, an oil, or the like.
The membrane 116 can enclose the inner volume V2 and can be an impermeable membrane such that the membrane 116 can be configured to help to hermetically seal the inner volume V2 of the pod 106. The membrane 116 can be at least partially filled with the fluid f, which can be a liquid or liquid mixture including a surfactant (such as soap) or fragrance. The membrane 116 can be configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane 116 by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet the washcloth 104 with the fluid f Rupturing of the membrane 116 is discussed in further detail below.
In some examples, the washcloth system 100 can be a washcloth replenishing system (or refresh system or kit) for personal hygiene. Such a kit can include the outer bag 102, where the outer bag 102 can be resealable (for example resealable or washable). The kit can further include the pod 106 positionable within the outer bag 102 adjacent a washcloth. The washcloth can be provided separately from the replenish or refresh kit. For example, a user can provide a washcloth previously used in the washcloth system 100, which can help to reduce waste.
The surfactant portions 114 a-114 n can be liquid or solid portions of a surfactant (such as a soap) and can include fragrance. The surfactant portions 114 a-114 n can be imbedded in the washcloth or attached thereto. In some examples, the surfactant portions 114 a-114 n can be loose within the outer bag 108. The surfactant portions 114 a-114 n can also be located within the pod 106. Any number of surfactant portions can be used. Further details of the operation of the washcloth system 100 are discussed below with respect to FIGS. 2A-3E.
FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the pod 106 of the washcloth system 100 in a first condition. FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the pod 106 of the washcloth system in a second condition.
The pod 106 of FIGS. 2A and 2B can be consistent with the pod of FIGS. 1A-1C discussed above; further details are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, FIG. 2B shows that the pod 106 can include an opening 118 that can be sealed by the seal 112. The opening 118 can be configured to receive the fluid f therethrough and into the inner volume V2 when the opening 118 is open. The opening 118 can be hermetically sealed after receiving the fluid f into the inner volume V2 of the membrane 116.
FIG. 2B also shows force F, which can be applied to the membrane 116 of the pod 106. When the force F is sufficiently large, the membrane 116 can burst, such as at the edge 120, causing the fluid f to expel from the membrane 116 in the directions D from the membrane 116. In other examples, the membrane 116 can be configured to burst in other locations, such as at the pod seal 112, or other edges of the membrane 116.
When the pod 106 is within the outer bag 102 (of FIGS. 1A-1C), the fluid can be expelled or discharged from the membrane 116 into the outer bag 102. The outer bag 102 can be configured to retain the fluid f therein after the pod 106 is ruptured. The fluid f can then be absorbed into the washcloth 104, as discussed below in further detail, so that the washcloth 104 can be used for cleaning.
FIG. 2B also shows that the membrane 116 can have a thickness t, as shown in FIG. 2B. The thickness t can be configured (e.g., sized) such that the membrane 116 ruptures at a selected value of the force F. For example, the thickness t can be selected such that the membrane 116 ruptures at a force of a firm, but not dangerous, strike delivered by a human hand. In some examples, the thickness t can be between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers. In some examples, the thickness t can be between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers. In some examples, the thickness t can be about 50 micrometers (such as a 2 mil bag).
The pod 106 (or membrane) can be made of a polyethylene or similar polymer configured that is impermeable or substantially impermeable, such that normal forces applied to the pod in transportation do not cause the pod 106 to rupture. However, when the pod 106 is made of polyethylene and is sized to have a thickness (such as about 50 micrometers), the pod 106 can be configured to rupture within the outer bag 102 when the force F is applied to the pod 106 through the outer bag 102. Also, the outer bag 102 can be made of a material, such as polypropylene or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene laminate (a PET and PE laminate), or the like. The outer bag 102 material can be configured such that is unlikely to rupture when the force F is applied to the pod 106 through the outer bag 102.
Additionally, to help manage rupture of the pod 106 and wetting of the washcloth 104 following rupture, the outer bag 102 can be pressurized to a desired or selected pressure before the outer bag 102 is sealed. The selected pressure can allow for the force to be transmitted through the outer bag 102 to the pod 106 without rupturing the outer bag 102 while rupturing the pod 106 within the outer bag 102. Such a balance could be obtained with the outer bag 102 at a relatively very low pressure; however, in such a very low pressure, the volume V1 may become too low to allow for a user to easily wet the cloth 104 with the fluid f following rupture. Therefore, the pressure within the outer bag 102 can be pressurized to allow for the force F to be transmitted to the pod 106 without rupturing the bag 102 while still providing enough volume V1 for effective or easy wetting of the cloth 104 within the bag following rupture.
For example, the outer bag 102 can have an internal pressure of between −0.02 to −0.10 Mega Pascals (MPa), gauge pressure (or 0.083 MPa to 0.003 MPa absolute pressure). The outer bag 102 have an internal pressure of between −0.04 to −0.08 MPa gauge pressure (or 0.063 MPa to 0.23 MPa absolute pressure). The outer bag 102 have an internal pressure of about −0.06 Mega Pascals gauge pressure (or 0.043 MPa absolute pressure).
Such a vacuum pressure within the outer bag 102 can help to captivate the pod 106 within the outer bag 102. That is, because the outer bag 102 is under vacuum pressure, the outer bag 102 can contact the pod 106 to limit movement of the outer pod 106 within the outer bag 102. This can help to maintain a position of the pod 106 within the outer bag 102 for when the user strikes the pod 106 to rupture the pod 106 within the outer bag. Such a vacuum pressure also helps to reduce a size and volume of the washcloth system 100 to help reduce packaging and shipping costs.
FIGS. 2A and 2B also show that the pod 106 can be filled with the liquid f and show that the pod 106 can be a relatively transparent or translucent (e.g., clear) membrane. Such a membrane can allow the fluid f within the pod 106 to be sterilized through the membrane. Various sterilization methods can be used, such as ultraviolet light sterilization, thermal sterilization, microwave sterilization, and irradiation sterilization.
FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the washcloth system 100 in a first condition. FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the washcloth system 100 in a second condition. FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the washcloth system 100 in a third condition. FIG. 3D illustrates a front view of the washcloth system 100 in a fourth condition. FIG. 3E illustrates a front view of the washcloth system 100 in a fifth condition. FIGS. 3A-3E are discussed below concurrently.
FIGS. 3A-3E generally illustrates a method of using, such as activating, a washcloth of a washcloth system, such as the washcloth system 100. More specific examples of the method are discussed below. The steps or operations of the method are illustrated in a particular order for convenience and clarity; some of the discussed operations can be performed in a different sequence, or in parallel, without materially impacting other operations. The method as discussed includes operations that can be performed by multiple different actors, devices, or systems. It is understood that subsets of the operations discussed in the method that can be attributable to a single actor, device, or system could be considered a separate standalone process or method. Also, the washcloth system 100 of FIGS. 3A-3E can be consistent with the washcloth system 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-2B.
FIG. 3A shows a step where the washcloth system 100 can be provided and grasped in a second hand 54 of a user 50. A first hand 52 of the user 50 can be positioned adjacent the washcloth system 100. In the state of the washcloth system 100 shown in FIG. 3A, the washcloth 104 and the pod 106 can be located within the outer bag 102, which can be sealed. The pod 106 can be unruptured in the condition of the washcloth system of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3B shows a step where the first hand 52 can impact the washcloth system 100 applying a force (such as the force F) to the washcloth system 100. The force F can be sufficiently large to cause the pod 106 to rupture (such as through the edge 120 of the membrane 116) to expel the fluid f from the pod 106 and into the housing 108. The washcloth 104 can absorb the fluid f after the fluid f is expelled from the pod. In operation of examples where the surfactant portions 114 a-114 n (shown in FIG. 1B) are imbedded in the washcloth or attached thereto, the fluid can mix with the surfactant portions 114 (when the surfactant portions 114 are liquid) or the fluid can help to dissolve the surfactant portions 114 (when the surfactant portions are solid). In some examples where the surfactant portions 114 are used, the fluid f can be only water, but can be other liquid or liquid mixtures.
FIG. 3C shows a step where the user 50 can use one or more of the hands 52 and 54 to work the fluid f and the washcloth 104 within the outer bag 102 to cause the washcloth 104 to absorb the fluid f. Such action can also help cause the fluid f to mix with other fluids or to cause the fluid f to dissolve surfactant portions (such as the surfactant portions 114).
FIG. 3D shows a step where one or more of the hands 52 and 54 of the user 50 can be used to open the outer bag 102. In examples where the outer bag 102 is hermetically sealed, the outer bag 102 can be torn or ripped open. In some examples, the outer bag 102 can include a slit 122 or other formation of the outer bag 102 to reduce forces required to open the outer bag 102. In examples where the outer bag 102 is reusable, such as where the upper seal 108 is reusable, the upper seal 108 can be opened to provide access to the inside of the outer bag 102.
FIG. 3E shows that once the outer bag 102 is opened, the user 50 can use the hands 52 and 54 to retrieve the wetted washcloth 104 from the outer bag 102 for personal hygiene use. In examples where the outer bag 102 is reusable, after use of the washcloth 104 for cleaning, the user can store the washcloth 104 within the outer bag 102 until cleaning of the washcloth 104 is possible. Further, where the outer bag 102 is reusable, a user can add another pod 106 to the outer bag 102 adjacent the dirty (used) washcloth 104. The outer bag 102 can then be resealed and the process can be repeated to rewet the washcloth 104 for further use.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a pod 406 of a washcloth system. The pod 406 can include a pod seal 412, a membrane 416, an opening 418, and a burst feature 424. FIG. 4 also shows a volume V2, fluid f, a force F, a thickness t2, and directions D.
The pod 406 can be similar to the pod 106 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-3D except that the pod 406 can include the burst feature 424. The burst feature 424 can be a seam or other reduced thickness (or pre-stressed) portion of the membrane 416. The burst feature 424 can be configured to expel the fluid f when the force F applied to the membrane 416 is large enough to cause a rupture of the burst feature 424 but is not large enough to cause a rupture of the membrane 416 in another location. Such a burst feature can help control fluid discharge at a desired rate for controlled mixing of the fluid f with other components (such as the surfactant portions 114) or absorption by the washcloth at a controlled rate. Such a burst feature can also help control fluid discharge at a desired direction for improved mixing or absorption.
Because the pod 406 can include the burst feature 424 (e.g., a burst seam), the thickness t2 of the membrane 416 of the pod 406 does not have to be configured to burst and can therefore be a relatively larger thickness. Such a larger thickness can help prevent the pod from leaking due to accidental puncture.

NOTES AND EXAMPLES

The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.
Example 1 is a washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising: a washcloth; an outer bag configured to receive the washcloth therein; and a pod positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising: an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid or a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the washcloth is dry prior to the pod being ruptured.
In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include wherein the outer bag is impermeable when sealed.
In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include wherein the outer bag is configured to retain the liquid mixture therein when the pod is ruptured.
In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein the membrane hermetically seals the inner volume of the pod.
In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein membrane includes an opening configured to receive liquid therethrough and into the inner volume when open, and wherein the opening is hermetically sealed after receiving the liquid mixture into the inner volume.
In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 optionally includes wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.
In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include wherein the outer bag is under vacuum pressure.
In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally include wherein the washcloth includes portions of solid or liquid surfactant imbedded therein, the liquid configured to activate the surfactant following rupturing of the membrane by the user. In Example 9 (or any other example), the liquid can optionally be water.
In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally include wherein the outer bag is a resealable bag.
Example 11 is a washcloth replenishing system for personal hygiene, the system comprising: an outer bag configured to receive the washcloth therein; and a pod positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising: an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid to wet a washcloth with the liquid.
In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includes wherein the outer bag is impermeable when sealed.
In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-12 optionally include wherein the membrane hermetically seals the inner volume of the pod.
In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-13 optionally include wherein membrane includes an opening configured to receive liquid therethrough and into the inner volume when open, and wherein the opening is hermetically sealed after receiving the liquid mixture into the inner volume.
In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 optionally includes wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.
Example 16 is a pod for wetting a washcloth with a liquid mixture including surfactant for personal hygiene, the pod comprising: an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including surfactant or fragrance, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet a washcloth with the liquid mixture.
In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes wherein the membrane hermetically seals the inner volume of the pod.
In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-17 optionally include wherein liquid mixture is sterilized through the membrane.
In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-18 optionally include wherein membrane includes an opening configured to receive liquid therethrough and into the inner volume when open, and wherein the opening is hermetically sealed after receiving the liquid mixture into the inner volume.
In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 optionally includes wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.
In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 optionally includes wherein the thickness of the membrane is between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers.
In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-21 optionally include wherein the membrane includes a burst seam having a reduced thickness and configured to expel the liquid mixture when the force is applied to the membrane.
Example 23 is a washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising: a washcloth including solid or liquid surfactant portions imbedded therein; an outer bag configured to receive the washcloth therein; and a pod positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising: an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid to wet the washcloth with the liquid and to dissolve at least some of the solid or liquid surfactant portions.
In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 optionally includes wherein the washcloth is dry prior to the pod being ruptured.
In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 23-24 optionally include wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.
In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 optionally includes wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.
In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally includes wherein the thickness of the membrane is between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers.
In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 25-27 optionally include wherein the membrane includes a burst seam having a reduced thickness and configured to expel the liquid mixture when the force is applied to the membrane.
Example 29 is a washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising: a washcloth; an outer bag configured to receive the washcloth therein, the outer bag defining an inner bag volume that is under vacuum pressure; and a pod positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising: an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid to wet the washcloth with the liquid and to dissolve at least some of the solid or liquid surfactant portions.
In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 optionally includes wherein the vacuum pressure of the outer bag causes the outer bag to contact the pod to limit movement of the pod within and relative to the outer bag.
In Example 31, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 29-30 optionally include wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.
In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 optionally includes wherein pod and its contents are sterilized via ultraviolet sterilization.
In Example 33, the subject matter of Example 32 optionally includes wherein the thickness of the membrane is between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers.
In Example 34, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 31-33 optionally include wherein the membrane includes a burst seam having a reduced thickness and configured to expel the liquid mixture when the force is applied to the membrane.
Example 35 is a washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising: an impermeable outer bag defining a bag volume; a dry washcloth located within the bag volume; and a pod located within the outer bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising: an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance, the membrane configured to, when a selected force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture from the pod and into the bag volume to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.
In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35 optionally includes wherein the pod is made of polyethylene, the pod having a thickness between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers.
In Example 37, the subject matter of Example 36 optionally includes wherein the bag volume has an internal pressure of between 0.063 MPa absolute pressure and 0.23 MPa absolute pressure when the outer bag is sealed.
In Example 38, the subject matter of Example 37 optionally includes wherein the membrane includes a burst seam having a reduced thickness and configured to expel the liquid mixture when the force is applied to the membrane.
In Example 39, the apparatuses or method of any one or any combination of Examples 1-38 can optionally be configured such that all elements or options recited are available to use or select from.
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising:

a washcloth;

an outer bag configured to receive the washcloth therein; and

a pod positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising:

an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.

2. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the washcloth is dry prior to the pod being ruptured.

3. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the outer bag is impermeable when sealed.

4. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the outer bag is configured to retain the liquid mixture therein when the pod is ruptured.

5. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the membrane hermetically seals the inner volume of the pod.

6. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein membrane includes an opening configured to receive liquid therethrough and into the inner volume when open, and wherein the opening is hermetically sealed after receiving the liquid mixture into the inner volume.

7. The washcloth system of claim 6, wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.

8. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the outer bag is under vacuum pressure.

9. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the bag volume has an internal pressure of between 0.063 MPa absolute pressure and 0.23 MPa absolute pressure when the outer bag is sealed.

10. The washcloth system of claim 1, wherein the outer bag is a resealable bag.

11. A washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising:

a washcloth;

an outer bag configured to receive the washcloth therein, the outer bag defining an inner bag volume that is under vacuum pressure; and

a pod positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising:

an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid, the membrane configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid to wet the washcloth with the liquid and to dissolve at least some of the solid or liquid surfactant portions.

12. The washcloth system of claim 11, wherein the vacuum pressure of the outer bag causes the outer bag to contact the pod to limit movement of the pod within and relative to the outer bag.

13. The washcloth system of claim 12, wherein the membrane has a thickness configured for the membrane to rupture at a selected force.

14. The washcloth system of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the membrane is between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

15. The washcloth system of claim 14, wherein pod and its contents are sterilized via ultraviolet sterilization.

16. The reusable washcloth system of claim 13, wherein the membrane includes a burst seam having a reduced thickness and configured to expel the liquid mixture when the force is applied to the membrane.

17. A washcloth system for personal hygiene, the system comprising:

an impermeable outer bag defining a bag volume;

a dry washcloth located within the bag volume; and

a pod located within the outer bag adjacent the washcloth, the pod comprising:

an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance, the membrane configured to, when a selected force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture from the pod and into the bag volume to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.

18. The washcloth system of claim 17, wherein the pod is made of polyethylene, the pod having a thickness between 20 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

19. The washcloth system of claim 18, wherein the bag volume has an internal pressure of between 0.063 MPa absolute pressure and 0.23 MPa absolute pressure when the outer bag is sealed.

20. The washcloth system of claim 19, wherein the membrane includes a burst seam having a reduced thickness and configured to expel the liquid mixture when the force is applied to the membrane.