Telescoping Collapsible Bath Brush

Abstract

A collapsible bath brush is disclosed with a handle that collapses telescopically into the interior of the brush head, thereby making the brush more convenient, compact, and adaptable than other bath brushes. In preferred embodiments, the brush head includes bristles or a sponge, the handle includes at least three segments, and when extended, the handle is wide (at least one inch), long, and easy to hold. When the handle is collapsed, the brush head is a fully functional handle-free bath brush without protrusions that could interfere with washing. A securing mechanism prevents inadvertent collapse of the handle when extended, and in preferred embodiments a retaining mechanism prevents inadvertent extension of the handle when collapsed. The brush is easy to pack for travel, requiring no disassembly to achieve its smallest configuration. In preferred embodiments the brush has an open, horseshoe-shaped, easy-to-clean handle, and can be disassembled for thorough cleaning.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention generally relates to bath brushes, and more particularly to bath brushes with collapsible handles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Bath brushes have been used to wash the human body for hundreds of years. The standard bath brush consists of a plurality of bristles affixed to a compact brush head. Such brushes are designed for a person to wash (or sometimes massage) portions of the body that are easy to reach, but they are difficult to use for washing other body areas, like the back. Moreover, people who have limited mobility due to arthritis, stiffness, or other physical problems, sometimes have difficulty using these bath brushes to wash their feet, shoulders, or lower legs.[0003]In consequence, back brushes have been developed. These typically comprise a brush affixed to an elongated handle. Although the elongated handle gives the bather greater reach, its length causes other problems.[0004]For one thing, back brushes are difficult to use ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]A collapsible bath brush is disclosed with a telescoping handle that can be extended from or retracted into the brush head. The brush is equally functional as a compact, standard bath brush and as a long-handled back brush. In its extended position, the bath brush has a comfortable handle that is suitable for a person to safely and conveniently wash his or her own back or, in the case of a person with mobility impairments, to wash other parts of his or her body. In its retracted position, the bath brush is usable not only as a comfortable bath brush—without awkward protruding handles—but also wastes little space compared to an ordinary non-extendible brush. In its collapsed position, the brush is therefore convenient to travel with, requiring neither disassembly by the user for packing nor reassembly after unpacking.

[0013]In certain preferred embodiments, the handle includes three or more handle segments. The more handle segments used, the smaller each individual handle segment may be without decreasing the length of the handle. Smaller handle segments in turn allows the handle to be retracted more compactly into the interior of the brush head, at the cost, however, of increased mechanical complexity and narrower innermost handle segments.

[0014]In some preferred embodiments, the handle is securely fastened in its extended position by latches that are affixed to each handle segment. In other preferred embodiments, the handle is securely fastened in its extended position by buttons or protrusions cooperative with the handle segments that fit into holes or indentations in adjacent handle segments. These fasteners ensure that the handle can be safely and comfortably used in its extended position without inadvertently collapsing. Moreover, these fasteners can be easily disengaged by the user in order to collapse the handle.

[0015]In various preferred embodiments, the handle segments that form the handle are horseshoe-shaped in cross-section, allowing them to be cleaned easily, minimizing rotation of the brush head in relation to the handle, decreasing materials cost, and, in some embodiments, increasing the space available for the bristles in the brush head. In other preferred embodiments, the handle segments are tubular, which provides a sturdy, easy-to-fabricate design. In each case, the handle segments are “nestable,” in that when the handle is collapsed the segments nest snugly within one another.

[0016]In preferred embodiments, the handle segments are at least one inch wide, and are about three inches in some preferred embodiments. This allows them to be grasped comfortably and securely even when they are slick with water and soap. Because the handle segments are wide and comfortable to use, they are also easy to use for individuals who have mobility impairments or loss of strength in their hands.

[0017]In certain preferred embodiments, the handle segments are designed to be individually detachable for easy cleaning. This minimizes not only the chance of dirt becoming lodged in a moving part or enclosed portion of the handle, but also the chance of bath water being retained in the handle, which could lead to the growth of bacteria and / or other harmful microorganisms.

Problems solved by technology

Smaller handle segments in turn allows the handle to be retracted more compactly into the interior of the brush head, at the cost, however, of increased mechanical complexity and narrower innermost handle segments.

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