WO2001021325A1

WO2001021325A1 - Soap dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001021325A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/026091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eustacio R. Flores, Jr.; David B. Gandara
Original assignee: Flores Eustacio R Jr; Gandara David B
Priority date: 1999-09-22
Filing date: 2000-09-21
Publication date: 2001-03-29
Also published as: AU3886301A; WO2001021325A9

Abstract

A self-contained soap dispensing apparatus having a hollow body (20) for retainment of liquid soap, an outer surface, and passages or ducts connecting the inner chamber to the outer surface. Bristles (26) may be present on the outer surface. Soap flows from the inner chamber to the outer surface on demand. The soap dispensing apparatus is readily portable and can be used in a wide variety of locations, such as an automobile, an airplane, and RV, and the like.

Description

SOAP DISPENSING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a self-contained washing apparatus. In particular, the washing apparatus has a source of liquid soap and a surface with which to cleanse the surface being washed.

Background

With the growing awareness regarding the spread of diseases in today's society, cleanliness has gained high importance. In many occupations, washing of the hands is mandated either by state or federal law; for example, employees in the restaurant business are required to wash their hands with soap and water after using the rest room. Many stores and restaurants require washing hands after handling money. Even if not required, many people are concerned about the cleanliness of their hands after doing common activities, such as opening doors, holding handrails, and even touching items that have been touched by other people. This concern is based on the desire to minimize the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can spread deadly diseases, or even common ailments such as colds. Even with the heightened concern of diseases being passed by one person to another via items and through casual contact, many adults nevertheless do not wash their hands. Children in particular dislike washing their hands. Many times it is inconvenient to thoroughly cleanse the hands, either because of improper facilities, an inappropriate location, shortage of water or soap, lack of time, or simply because it is inconvenient to do so.

The present invention provides a simple and convenient system for washing one's hands and other body features.

Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable soap dispensing apparatus that is a self-contained system for washing or cleaning a surface. The soap dispensing apparatus includes a source of liquid soap and a feature to provide suds or lather. Further, the apparatus includes a textured surface to facilitate the removal of dirt and other impurities from the surface being washed. This soap dispensing apparatus can be used for washing hands or any other part of the body, and is convenient to use because the soap is contained in a portable dispenser.

Liquid soap is contained within a flexible, preferably conformable body or housing that provides the overall structure to the apparatus. The body can be made from a polymeric material, such as polyurethane. Preferably, the polymeric material is a foam, either open celled or closed celled. In some embodiments, a cellulose material can be used. A biodegradable polymeric material can also be used for the body.

Positioned on at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing can be bristles, which facilitate removal of dirt from the surface being washed. In some embodiments, a screen or mesh material can be provided to improve the foaming or lathering properties of the soap as it exists the housing.

The soap used in the system can be any liquid soap, such as an anti-bacterial or antiseptic soap. It one preferred embodiment, the soap provided is a biodegradable soap that does not leave toxic or other contaminants in the water. In some preferred embodiments, the soap is used without the presence of water, and the used soap evaporates without the need for wiping.

The soap dispensing apparatus can have any shape and size, but is preferably one that is easily handleable and preferably portable. The apparatus is preferably shaped to be readily graspable. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is shaped and sized to easily fit within the palm of a person's hand.

This soap dispensing apparatus is easy to use in any location. In one embodiment, the soap dispensing apparatus is conveniently positioned close to, and preferably under, the faucet of a sink or other water source. In another embodiment such as when a self-drying soap is used, the soap dispensing apparatus is available in locations having no or low water availability, such as airplane lavatories or desert areas where water is a commodity.

A carrying case or holder can be included with the soap dispensing apparatus for retaining the apparatus when not in use. Such a case may be fixedly attached to a surface, such as a sink surface or wall, or may be free-standing, so that the apparatus and case can be easily carried, for example, in a purse or bag.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of soap dispensing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a soap retaining and dispensing cartridge that can be used with the soap dispensing apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a soap dispensing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a soap dispensing apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a soap dispensing element used to increase foaming properties of soap positioned in the soap dispensing apparatus;

Figure 6 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a soap dispensing apparatus according to the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a bottom view of the soap dispensing apparatus of Figure 6.

Detailed Description

Describing the soap dispensing apparatus of the present invention in detail, reference is made to the attached figures. Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a soap dispensing apparatus 10 of the present invention; specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a cylindrical soap dispensing apparatus 100.

Soap dispensing apparatus 10, particularly cylindrical soap dispensing apparatus 100, includes a hollow body or housing 20 having an outer surface 22 and an inner chamber 25 (shown in phantom in Figure 1).

Body 20 forms the overall shape and size of apparatus 10; for apparatus 100, body 20 is generally cylindrical or elliptical in shape, and has a length of about 5 cm to about 10 cm, with a diameter of about 3 to 5 cm. Apparatus 100 is designed to be easily grasped in one's hand. Other shapes and sizes can be used for apparatus 10. Soap dispensing apparatus 10, in particular body 20, is preferably made from a distortable, pliable material, such as a polymeric material that can be molded, extruded, or otherwise shaped as desired. Examples of usable materials include cellulosic materials, polyurethane, polyethylene, or maybe even polycarbonate. In some embodiments, it is preferred that body 20 is flexible and compressible. A preferred material for body 20 is a water soluble or biodegradable polymeric material. An example of a biodegradable polymer is a composition of starch and polyurethane, such as those taught by U.S. Patent Nos. 5,321,064 and 5,446,078. By using a biodegradable material to produce body 20 of soap dispensing apparatus 10, body 20 can be discarded after use, with minimum concerns of deleterious effect on the environment. If a water soluble polymer is used, such as poly vinyl acetate, body 20 will slowly dissolve, leaving minimal material to discard.

Within body 20 is inner chamber 25, which is constructed to receive and retain liquid soap. Although not shown in Figure 1 , body 20 may include a hole or other access to inner chamber 25 to allow refilling of inner chamber 25. Inner chamber 25 may have an insert therein to retain the soap, or the soap may be retained within chamber 25 by body 20. One particular preferred device used for the retention and discharge of liquid soap from inner chamber 25 is a soap dispensing cartridge 50, shown in detail in Figure 2. Soap dispensing cartridge 50 retains liquid soap and dispenses it on demand.

Cartridge 50 has a cylindrical outer frame 52 surrounding liquid chamber 60, which has an internal volume 62 for retaining soap. Outer frame 52 includes apertures 56 through which soap from chamber 60 can flow. A plunger 66 provides pressure to discharge soap from liquid chamber 60; generally, a portion of plunger 66 extends from body 20 to allow the application of pressure; see for example, Figure 1. Chamber 60 comprises of a plurality of axially stacked and connected flexible segments 64; in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, chamber 60 is made from ten stacked segments 64, which are rings. The internal volume 62 is defined by the sum of the volume of each of the segments 64. The center of each segment or ring 64 is open and does not retain soap. Chamber 60 is axially compressible when pressure is provided via plunger 66. Adjacent segments 64 connect at flexible joint 68. In the embodiment of Figure 2, segments 64 meet at joint 68 at an angle of about 40 degrees. Joint 68 has an area of weakness through which soap within internal volume 62 can pass. This area of weakness may be a hole such as a perforation, an area where the material is highly porous to allow soap to permeate through, or the area of weakness may be a one-way valve that allows soap to flow out from chamber 60 but that does not allow soap, water, or air to flow back into chamber 60.

When plunger 66 is pushed toward chamber 60 from a first position to a second position, pressure within internal volume 62 increases, pushing or otherwise forcing soap out of chamber 60, preferably through the areas of weakness at joints 68. Plunger 66 may remain in the second, depressed position, or may retract back to the first, non-depressed position. Generally, if plunger 66 returns to the non- depressed position, a volume of air essentially equal to the volume of soap discharged will enter chamber 60. This air may enter through a pin hole or other aperture in plunger 66 or chamber 60. Soap expelled from chamber 60 passes through apertures 56 in outer frame 52. From there, soap passes through body 20 of soap dispensing apparatus 10 to arrive at outer surface 22.

Cartridge 50 is sized to fit within inner chamber 25 of soap dispensing apparatus 10. In one embodiment, outer frame 52 is about 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) long having a diameter of about 2.22 cm (0.875 inch) and a thickness of about 0.1 cm (about 0.038 inch). Apertures 56 are elongate having a length of 0.6 cm (0.236 inch) and a radius of 0.043 cm (0.017 inch) at each end. Outer frame 52 is hollow to allow chamber 60 and plunger 66 to be positioned therein, but outer frame 52 can include a 0.5 cm (0.20 inch) thick section (in the axial direction) at each end to close the ends of outer frame 52.

In the same embodiment, chamber 60 has an overall length of about 3.4 cm (1.35 inches) and a diameter of 1.9 cm (0.75 inch). Each segment 64 has an axial height of 0.34 cm (0.135 cm) and a maximum width of 0.826 cm (0.325 inch), providing an open central volume having a minimum diameter of 0.254 cm (0.1 inch)

Plunger 66 has an overall length of about 4.2 cm (about 1.65 inches) form by two axially aligned sections; the first section has a length of about 2.54 cm (one inch) and a diameter of about 1.27 cm (0.50 inch), and the second section has a length of about 1.65 cm (0.65 inch) and a diameter of about 1.85 cm (0.73 inch). Soap dispensing cartridge 50 can be made from any usable materials, such as metals, polymeric materials, glass, and the like; it is understood that the various components can be made from the same or from different materials. Generally, outer frame 52 and plunger 66 will be made from a rigid, stiff material, such as, for example, polycarbonate or polyethylene. Chamber 60 should be made from materials that are flexible and that can return to original shape after being distorted; such materials include polyethylene and polypropylene. In a preferred embodiment, all components of cartridge 50 are made from a material that is water soluble or biodegradable.

The soap used in soap dispensing apparatus 10 should be a liquid soap that can be pumped and will readily flow. The viscosity of the soap should not be so high that there are difficulties discharging the soap from apparatus 10, but should not be so low that the soap flow uncontrollably. Usable liquid soaps are commercially available under various brand names such as "Softsoap", "Dial", and the like. The soap used with the apparatus 10 can be an anti-bacterial, antiseptic or other soap that disinfects and/or sanitizes, and can include any lubricants or emollients as moisturizers. Preferably, the soap is non-toxic to wildlife. In some embodiments, it is desired to use a soap that does not require the use of water; that is, the soap either evaporates or soaks into the surface being washed, such as the hands.

Soap dispensing apparatus 10 is intended to aid in the physical cleaning of surfaces such as hands in addition to providing a soap source. Outer surface 22 of body 20 preferably has a textured surface to facilitate removal of dirt and grime from the surfaces being cleaned. The textured surface may have any regular or irregular shaped protrusions or bumps; this texture may be formed in the outer surface 22 by molding, embossing, or any such procedure. The texture may be integral with body 20, or can formed on outer surface 22 after forming of body 20. In most embodiments, the texture cannot be removed or separated from body 20. In a preferred embodiment, outer surface 22 of soap dispensing apparatus 10 has a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, as will be discussed in reference to Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7. Body 20 includes at least one path, such as a channel, passage, duct, or the like, extending therethrough to provide fluid communication between inner chamber 25 and outer surface 22. If a porous material is used for body 20, the pores are preferably sufficiently open and connected to provide a path for passage of fluid (that is, the soap) through body 20. In some embodiments, the path may extend through any protrusions or bristles.

Although Figure 1 shows body 20 as generally cylindrical, body 20 may have any shape possible, for example, elliptical, spherical, oblong, heart-shaped, conical, truncated-conical, pyramidal, and the like. Figure 3 shows a soap dispensing apparatus 10, in particular, heart-shaped soap dispensing apparatus 200. In some embodiments, it may be desired to have a shape that has a downward taper, such as a cone, pyramid, or heart, so as to facilitate drainage of the soap to a portion of the body 20. A flat top or side portion may be desired to facilitate fitting apparatus 10 against a surface or in a carrying case.

Heart-shaped soap dispensing apparatus 200 of Figure 3 has body 20 defining outer surface 22 and inner chamber 25. Bristles 26 are positioned on outer surface 22. Bristles 26 may have any cross-sectional area, such as circular, square, triangular, etc., and may have any surface features, for example, tapered, barbed, etc. For embodiments where a duct passes in the inside of bristle 26, bristle 26 may include outlets on its distal end or along its sides, for expulsion of soap therethrough. Bristles 26 may be present over the entire outer surface 22 or may be only on the sides or edges. In some embodiments, bristles 26 may be removable and replaceable.

Soap dispensing apparatus 10, such as heart-shaped dispensing apparatus 200, can be adorned with various decorations, decals, printing and the like. Outer surface 22 may have printed thereon cartoons (for example, Bugs Bunny®) or other children's characters (such as Mickey Mouse®, Donald Duck®, Star Wars® characters, Beanie Babies®, and the like), or may have graphics such as company logos, product names, and the like. These adornments on body 20 may be permanently affixed to body 20, such as on outer surface 22, or the adornments may be removable and replaceable, for example, when a new cartoon character is desired. Preferably, three dimensional adornments would be located in areas devoid of bristles 26. Removable adornments can be affixed to soap dispensing apparatus 10 by pressure-sensitive adhesive, snaps, clips, and the like. The adornment can be any decoration, decal, or other item that has aesthetic qualities. In some embodiments, the adornment can be a sound-producing item. As an example, the adornment could be a water-activate sound card that plays music or a character's voice.

In Figure 3, heart-shaped soap dispensing apparatus 200 includes a hanger 24 for attaching body 20 onto a sink or shower fixture or other nearby fixture. Hanger 24 may be a simple loop, as shown in Figure 3, or may be a strap that includes a buckle, snap, or other fastening system, or hanger 24 may be a snap, clamp, wire, or other holder (such as suction cups) that secures soap dispensing apparatus 10 to a faucet. Preferably, the fastening system allows removal of soap dispensing apparatus 10 from its location and reattachment in another location; this feature may be desired when the soap dispensing apparatus 10 is desired to be used in other applications, for example, for washing one's feet, or when moving the apparatus 10 to another location.

To use soap dispensing apparatus 200 of Figure 3, soap dispensing apparatus 200 can be suspended from a sink fixture, such as the faucet. A person desiring to wash their hands squeezes body 20, thereby forcing an amount of liquid soap from inner chamber 25 onto outer surface 22. The soap may travel through body 20 via channels, ducts, or pores. Preferably, the discharge of soap stops when pressure is removed from body 20. Bristles 26 help to remove caked on grime and dirt from hands and under fingernails.

Another embodiment of a soap dispensing apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 4 as apparatus 300, which is similar to heart-shaped apparatus 200 of Figure 3. Apparatus 300 has a body 20 having an outer surface 22, a portion of which is covered by texture, such as bristles 26. Apparatus 300 has an interior chamber 25 for receiving and retaining soap therein. Positioned at the top of body 20 is an inlet 21, which is in fluid communication with interior chamber 25, so that additional soap can be added to interior chamber 25 via inlet 21. Extending from interior chamber 25 through body 20 are flow elements 70 that provide a conduit for controlled soap flow to the outer surface of body 20.

Shown in detail in Figure 5, flow element 70 has an interior surface 75, the majority of which is covered with bristles 76, cilia, tentacles, or similar features that have a high surface area. In one embodiment, flow element 70 is about 0.635 cm to about 0.95 cm long (about V* inch to 3/8 inch), and about 0.635 cm (! inch) at its widest point. Flow element 70 is preferably made from a distortable, pliable material, such as a polymeric material that can be molded to form flow element 70. Examples of usable materials include cellulosic materials, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polycarbonate. Water soluble or biodegradable polymeric materials can also be used for flow element 70. In some embodiments, bristles 76 may be formed from a material different than the rest of flow element 70.

Soap enters flow element 70 from interior chamber 25 and passes through flow element 70 to outlet 78. In preferred embodiments, flow element 70 acts as a valve, allowing flow of soap therethrough as desired; this valve may be a one-way valve, which allows soap to flow out, but does not allow soap, water, air, or anything else to flow back into chamber 25. As the soap passes across and among the bristles 76, the soap is agitated. This agitation improves and may even initiate the foaming or lathering properties of the soap, so that when the soap reaches the exterior of the body 20, the soap more readily foams.

Outlet 78 is positioned in close proximity to, and generally just under, exterior surface 22. Preferably, outlet 78 is positioned close to bristles 26. Bristles 26 further foam the soap and increase the lathering nature of the soap. In some embodiments, it is desired to include a mesh, screen, or other porous between outlet 78 and bristles 26. As the soap passes through the mesh or screen, the soap is additionally agitated, further improving the foaming properties of the soap.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Soap dispensing apparatus 10 of Figures 6 and 7 is specifically hand held soap dispensing apparatus 400, which has body 20 which is easily graspable by a hand. Body 20 is configured to be gripped and retained in wet environments and is preferably flexible and conformable. Body 20 may include depressions or other molded features to facilitate gripping and squeezing of apparatus 400. Similar to the embodiments of Figures 1, 3 and 4, apparatus 400 has soap within interior chamber 25 that is provided at outer surface 22 at bristles 26. A flow element 70 similar to that of Figure 5, provides fluid communication between interior chamber 25 and bristles 26. In some embodiments, outlet 78 of flow element 70 may protrude from outer surface 22 into bristles 26, for example about 0.32 cm (about 1/8 inch), but outlet 78 preferably does not extend past the distal end of the bristles 26.

Bristles 26 can be removable from body 20 or can be permanently affixed. As seen in Figure 7, bristles 26 may be positioned as a rectangular (or any shape) piece that is inserted into or onto body 20. For example, body 20 can include a recess about 0.32 cm (1/8 inch) deep to accept a mat of bristles. One particular mat of bristles 26 that can be used in any apparatus 10 is commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, under the trade designation "Brushlon". The Brushlon product has the bristle bases anchored with adhesive in a open mesh.

In some embodiments, it be may be desired to refill the soap dispensing apparatus after the initial soap supply has been used. Referring to Figure 7, apparatus 400 includes an aperture 28 such as a cut or slit to allow refilling of interior chamber 25 through aperture 28. In some embodiments, the soap may be contained in a container, such as a plastic cartridge or vial, which is placed within interior chamber 25. When the soap is ready to be used, the vial can be broken or cracked, such as by sharply striking apparatus 400 against a surface. Soap will fill chamber 25 and be available to flow through flow element 70. In another embodiment, the vial can have a foil or plastic label that can be removed when inserted into chamber 25.

It is foreseen that any of the various features described herein are interchangeable and intermixable among the various embodiments. For example, the bristles on any of the systems may be removable and replaceable, or the flow element 70 can be incorporated into any apparatus. Similarly, soap dispensing cartridge 50 can be incorporated into any apparatus 10.

It is also foreseen that the soap dispensing apparatus of the present invention may be designed for use for washing other items, such as car tires, pots and pans, ceramic tile in baths and showers, and the like. The soap dispensing apparatus can be used in a conventional washing location, such as a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and the like, or the apparatus can be used

Examples of locations that would benefit by using a soap dispensing apparatus of the present invention include locations with low or no available water, such as portable toilet stalls, airplane lavatories, RVs or other camping and hiking situations. The apparatus is particularly useful when water is a scarce commodity and cannot be wasted for washing, such as in desert locations, third-world countries, and area in a state-of-emergency.

The apparatus is especially beneficial when it is generally not possible to conventionally wash the hands, such as when driving in a car. With this soap dispensing apparatus, a person can quickly and easily wash their hands prior to eating food picked up from a drive-through window. A car, RV, or similar vehicle can be fitted with a holder, which may be removable or permanently affixed to the vehicle, to retain the soap dispensing apparatus when not in use. The soap dispensing apparatus of the present invention is sufficiently small and light so that it can be easily transported, such as in a purse or bag. A holder can be designed to retain the apparatus 10 and minimize any mess that may be associated with soap dispensing apparatus 10. Such a holder may include a feature that removes any debris and soap foam from the bristles and collects the debris and soap in a chamber for later disposal. The holder can include a feature to minimize the discharge of soap when not desired. For example, when a plunger such as plunger 66 of cartridge 50 is used, the holder can include a device to lock plunger so that it cannot be depressed. For an apparatus such as hand-held apparatus 400, the apparatus may snap into a holder that covers bristles 26 and minimizes the opportunity to squeeze body 20 to achieve discharge of the soap.

A clip can be designed into the holder so that the holder and soap dispensing apparatus can be conveniently positioned and readjusted, such as on a cabinet door, towel rack, or the like. In some embodiments, the holder can be designed to clip onto an article of clothing, such as a belt. It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in details, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A soap-dispenser apparatus comprising:

(a) a body having an outer surface and an inner chamber, the outer surface having a texture and adapted to contact a surface being washed; the body having at least one path extending from the inner chamber to the outer surface; the body being a polymeric material having pores therein; and

(b) a quantity of liquid soap within the inner chamber.

2. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric material is a biodegradable polymeric material.

3. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the biodegradable polymeric material comprises starch and polyurethane.

4. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one path is formed by the pores of the polymeric material.

5. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is compressible.

6. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bristles on the outer surface.

7. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a first end of the plurality of bristles is embedded in a mesh material.

8. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a hanger.

9. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a volume of soap in the inner chamber.

10. The soap-dispenser apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the volume of soap is retained in a cartridge that is removable from the inner chamber.

11. A method of cleansing a surface comprising:

(a) providing a self-contained washing apparatus, the washing apparatus having soap contained in an inner chamber of a body, the body having an outer surface having a texture;

(b) providing pressure to a portion of the washing apparatus to discharge a portion of the soap to the outer surface;

(c) contacting the surface to be cleansed with the outer surface of the washing apparatus; and (d) moving at least one of the washing apparatus and the surface to be cleansed in relation to the other.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of providing a self- contained washing apparatus comprises: (a) providing a self-contained washing apparatus, the washing apparatus having soap contained in an inner chamber of a body, the body having an outer surface having a plurality of bristles thereon.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of contacting the surface to be cleansed with the outer surface of the washing apparatus comprises:

(a) contacting the surface to be cleansed with the outer surface of the washing apparatus in the presence of water.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method is done in a vehicle.