CN1204240A - Improved Scrubbing Balls and Tightening Method - Google Patents

Abstract

A polymer netting puff is made from at least one open mesh tube (20) stretched between a pair of opposed support members (24a, 24b, 26a, 26 b). A substantially durable substantially non-abrasive mesh binding member (30) is tightened about a center point of the mesh tube (20). The tube (20) is then disconnected from the support (24a, 24b, 26a, 26b) such that a plurality of random pleats (34) are formed, thereby forming a substantially spherical scrubbing device useful for personal hygiene.

Description

Improved Scrubbing Balls and Tightening Method

technical field

The present invention relates generally to the field of washing and scrubbing appliances and to methods of making such appliances. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements in polymeric netting pellets for personal hygiene and improvements in their method of manufacture.

Background of the invention

Various scrubbing devices are known and utilized in the art. For example, pellets of polymeric netting have been used to scrub dishes, trays, other household items, and human skin. Scrubbing devices used for personal hygiene are commonly used to scrub the skin and are commonly referred to as polymeric mesh pellets. These polymeric netting pellets are usually made from one or more sheets of synthetic open cell netting that are bound together and then conditioned into a number of random folds and finally formed into a generally spherical shape or formed into a pellet . The open cell structure of the netting preferably forms an effective body scrubbing structure that removes body soils easily and dries relatively quickly. In addition, the synthetic material is very elastic, so the pellets retain their shape throughout use. These pellets are formed by tightening a piece of tubular netting or a piece of netting around a central point with a length of string and then forming a series of pleats by various manipulations around this central point.

For example, US Patent No. 3,343,196 to Barnhouse discloses a method of making pellets from open mesh. Several pieces of netting are sewn together at a common center point and passed through a retaining ring which separates the pieces of netting into a generally circular shape. The sheets are then sheared and compressed such that a series of wrinkles are formed during compression. Permanently secure the pleats together with metal clips around the center point.

U.S. Patent No. 5,144,744 to Campagnoli discloses another method of making pellets from polyethylene netting having a diamond-shaped open cell structure, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. The tubular netting is stretched in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis (ie, stretched in a direction transverse to the theoretical centerline of the tube). The stretched tube is then mounted between a pair of curved opposing supports. The tube is then tightened at the center point of its transverse axis and selectively released from the support so that the final product is a substantially spherical washing utensil formed by a series of random folds of the mesh material.

For tightening the members of the tubular netting, Campagnoli generally proposes the use of "plastic straps" for tightening. One type of "plastic strap" used for this purpose is the plastic pawl-type lacing device commonly used in the electrical industry for fitting and bundling bundles of wire or cable, in agriculture for For sealing bags, bags and similar items. Such lacing devices generally consist of a toothed strap that binds the item to be fastened and a locking head with detent jaws or similar locking mechanism for holding the strap in place. While suitable for tightening pellets of polymeric netting, there are several problems with the use of these lacing devices as net tightening members. These problems include chafing and marring the user (ie cutting, bruising or scratching the user because the trailing end of the toothed belt still has a sharp edge or protrusion on the plastic strip after trimming.

In addition to the use of plastic straps, it is well known in the art to use fibrous or synthetic cords, such as twine or interwoven cords, to tighten polymeric netting pellets. These fiber ropes, however, tend to disintegrate or rot over time due to periodic soaking and drying during use, and often fall apart, resulting in a short useful life for the pellets. This unraveling of the cord is also due to improper knotting at the time of manufacture, and difficulty in making a tight knot and maintaining the tightness while securing the knot. Polymeric netting pellets having the above characteristics are generally undesirable because customers are not satisfied with such products.

Therefore, the requirement has not been met for a mesh tightening member that can permanently secure a ball of mesh around a central point without injuring the user. More specifically, the mesh tightening member should be free of any sharp surfaces that may cut, scratch, mar the user, or otherwise contact the user in an undesirable manner, while at the same time adequately binding and tightening the polymeric mesh Ball to keep its shape.

Summary of the invention

A scrubbing device is provided comprising at least one tube of open cell mesh and a substantially nonabrasive and nontraumatic mesh tightening member for substantially permanently tightening the mesh tube. The scrubbing device is constructed by stretching individual mesh tubes in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis between an opposed pair of curved supports. The mesh tightening member is preferably employed to substantially surround and tighten the mesh tube about the actual center point of the mesh tube. If the scrubbing device is comprised of more than one mesh tube, the tubes are bound together by a mesh tie at about the point where the actual center points of the tubes converge, thereby forming a common center point. The individual netting tubes are then selectively disengaged from opposing supports and conditioned such that a series of random folds are formed. The free ends of the folds preferably form a predetermined shape of the scrubbing means. If the actual center point of each tubular net is approximately midway between the opposing supports along the transverse axis of the tubular net, the scrubbing device will form a generally spherical shape.

Five mesh restraints are proposed to securely and durably restrain the actual center point of a single mesh tube or a collection of effective center points of many tubes. The locking tether has a string (cord) and a clip with which the tether knot can be used to substantially wrap and tighten the mesh tube. The clamp securely binds the string to the netting tube through a combination of mechanical and frictional or crimping forces. Another type of mesh tightening member is an interlocking ring having a plurality of angled projections that engage at least one groove on the interlocking ring such that the ring has a generally circular shape surrounding the tube of mesh. Yet another mesh tightening member is a continuous elastic loop that constrains the mesh tube. Yet another mesh tightening member is a fixed-girth breakable tether having locking barbs on a feeder strap connected to the receptacle by a flexible member. Yet another method of forming the mesh tightening member is to heat and crimp the mesh tube while the mesh tube is stretched between opposing supports.

Brief description of the drawings

Although the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that these requirements will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are :

Fig. 1 shows a step in the method for making polymer netting pellets according to the present invention, showing that two separate tubular nettings are stretched in a direction transverse to their respective longitudinal axes;

Fig. 2 shows the steps of two elongated tubular nets shown in Fig. 1 being bound together at the gathering point of their effective central points;

Fig. 3 shows the step of selectively disengaging and conditioning a part of one of the separate net fabric tubes with the curved support of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a polymeric mesh pellet produced in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of strings and clip-type netting fasteners used in the manufacture of polymeric netting pellets according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the string and clamp shown in Figure 5 when the string passes through the clamp;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the string and clamp shown in Figure 5 after full tension and back tension have fully applied to the string;

Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of an interlocking loop mesh tightening member used in the manufacture of polymeric mesh pellets according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the interlocking ring shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view of a continuous elastic looped mesh tightening member used in the manufacture of polymeric mesh pellets according to the present invention;

Figure 11 is an enlarged front view of the continuous elastic ring shown in Figure 10;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged top plan view of a breakable tethered mesh tightening member for use in making polymeric mesh pellets in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the breakable tether of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the breakable tether of Figure 12 with the barb engaged with the finger in the hole;

Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the breakable tether of Figure 14 with the breakable portion removed from the intended breaking point;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a heated crimped mesh tightening member for use in making polymeric mesh pellets in accordance with the present invention, with the mesh tube still stretched between the supports for clarity.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Now describing in detail the presently preferred embodiment and the preferred method of making the invention, examples of the preferred embodiment are shown in the accompanying drawings, like numerals referring to like parts throughout. Since it is believed that the invention and the structural member of the present invention can be better understood by understanding the method of manufacturing the structural member of the present invention described below, a preferred method of manufacture will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .

Figure 1 shows two netting tubes 20 and 22, preferably stretched transversely to its longitudinal axis between a pair of opposing curved supports 24a, 24b, 26a and 26b (i.e. transverse to each netting tube). theoretical centerline stretch) and gather at a point toward the bottom of the support. While in the stretched state, the mesh tubes are securely laced with non-abrasive, substantially permanent mesh tightening members 30, thereby forming a common center point 32 of the pooling mesh tubes. As used herein, the term "common center point" refers to the location substantially formed by the aggregated or aligned actual center points of the individual mesh tubes. As used herein, the term "actual center point" refers to a location along the transverse axis of each tube of mesh stretched between supports (ie, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b). The actual center point is preferably generally near the intersection of the transverse and longitudinal axes of each mesh tube, although other locations along the longitudinal axis are equally suitable for other embodiments.

After tightening the mesh tubes (e.g., 20, 22) with the mesh tightening member 30, each textile tube is selectively disengaged from its corresponding curved support and conditioned to form a plurality of random folds 34 around a common central point , as can be clearly seen in Figure 3. The gathered pleats preferably form generally spherical polymeric mesh pellets 36 as shown in FIG. 4 . Although a method of making a polymeric mesh pellet 36 has been described, which consists of two tubes of mesh that are tied together to form a common center point, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described above are also applicable to tied The actual center point of a single mesh tube, forms the pellet 36 of another embodiment.

Having shown a preferred method of making polymeric mesh pellets 36 above, the preferred structure of pellets 36 is described below. Each mesh tube (eg, 20, 22) preferably has a plurality of individual openings. The configuration of each opening can vary widely without departing from the scope of the invention or affecting the utility of the pellets produced, the configuration of which is determined by both the size and shape of the individual openings. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of each opening may be in the form of a rhombus mesh. The individual mesh tubes are preferably made of any polymer of high elasticity, such as polyethylene, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that other polymers, metals, fiber blends or similar materials are suitable. Likewise, the physical properties (such as molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, melt index, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Five preferred mesh tightening members for wrapping and tightening at least one mesh tube to form center point 32 are described below. Each preferred mesh tightening member 30 is non-abrasive and substantially durable. The term "non-abrasive" as used herein refers to a mesh tightening member 30 that is substantially free from unpleasant tactile sensations (e.g., cuts, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or other forms of abrasion) during use. damage to user-sensitive surfaces), rough edges, protrusions, or outwardly protruding structural members. Additionally, each preferred mesh tightening member 30 is constructed such that it can substantially permanently tighten the polymeric mesh pellet 36 without unraveling or otherwise under ordinary conditions of manufacture, shipping, sale, and use, for example. release.

One such tightening device is a locking tether 32 having a flexible string 34 and a locking catch 36, as best shown in FIGS. 5-7. Wedge or tapered clamps with internal locking structures (e.g. teeth, tapered inserts, slide locks) have been used to restrain cords and wires in manufactured items such as clothing, fitness and sports equipment, and electrical boxes sports. For example, such clip-type structures have been used to engage and secure strings in the handles of articles of manufacture such as shoes, jackets, bags, water sports equipment and exercise equipment. Electrically, locking clips have been used to anchor the wires to the power takeoff box at the location where the wires pass through the opening of the power takeoff box.

Although the locking clip 36 is similar in construction to the clip-type structures described above, the function of the clip 36 of the locking tether 32 is to engage the string 34 so that the string 34 maintains a substantially permanent tightening force on the netting tubes 20 and 22. . The string 34 preferably has a free end 38 and a closed end 40 when engaged with the clip 36 . Channel 42 is as long as clip 36 and has an inlet portion 44 and an outlet portion 46 . Disposed around the inner diameter of passage 42 are a plurality of individual inclined teeth 48 sized and angled such that string 34 may traverse passage 42 in direction D substantially without interference. However, if tension acts on the string 34, as would happen when it is sufficiently fastened to the mesh tube, the teeth 48 will engage the string 34, as shown in Figure 7, thereby preventing the locking tether 32 from loosening. open. Clearly, clamp 36 is sized to accommodate string 34 having a widely varying outer diameter. While the catch 36 preferably consists of channels 42 and teeth 48, it will be apparent that other equivalent structures can be used to achieve the engagement of the catch 36. For example, clip 36 may include a slot extending substantially along its length such that clip 36 may be permanently crimped to string 34 .

It should be understood that the string 34 may be made of any flexible fibrous or synthetic material such as polypropylene, nylon, etc. that is resistant to the harmful effects of periodic exposure to water or other liquids that may be encountered during use. Clamp 36 is preferably constructed of any substantially rigid material such as metal, wood, fiberglass or plastic. For economical reasons, however, the fixture 36 is preferably injection molded from acetal plastic, but other methods such as plastic welding or adhesive bonding of the appropriate parts may be used.

The netting tubes 20 and 22 are preferably bound with a locking tether 32 by at first substantially encircling the actual center point of the tube with the string 34 and then passing the two ends of the string, preferably simultaneously, through the inlet portion 44 until both One end protrudes from the outlet portion 46. The string 34 is pulled through the clamp 36 until the string 34 is sufficiently taut to squeeze and tighten the mesh tube. In this condition, the angled teeth 48 will lock the string 34 in place, thereby obtaining a substantially permanent tightening of the pellet due to the rearward force exerted by the stretching of the string. The free end of the string can be used as a handle or hanging string for the ball.

Another preferred mesh tightening member 30 is an interlocking ring 50, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . Interlocking rings, commonly known as squeeze clamps, have been used in plumbing and the automotive industry to secure hoses and tubes to connecting members (such as ferrules, fittings, nozzles, etc.). These squeeze clamps generally comprise a flexible band that can be closed into a substantially circular shape by means of interlocking claws, teeth, or the like. They can be frequently removed from the interconnecting members to facilitate maintenance, repair and cleaning of the hose or tubes.

Interlocking ring 50 is similar in construction, but does not function as the squeeze collar described above. The interlocking ring 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54 . The first end portion 52 preferably has a plurality of angled projections 56 . The second end 54 preferably has a plurality of grooves 58 that cooperate with the protrusions 56 so that if the interlocking ring 50 is closed into a generally circular shape, the angled protrusions 56 and grooves 58 hook together, thereby substantially The interlocking ring 50 is permanently closed and secured. At the same time, in this closed substantially circular shape, the ring 50 will be subjected to internal tension forces acting from the ring's central bending axis (i.e., the axis on which no force acts) to the outer surface 58 and from the ring's central bending axis to the inner surface 59. internal compression force. This combination of tension and compression will generally oppose the engagement of the ramped projections 56 and grooves 57, returning the ring 50 to its relaxed condition. The interlocking rings may be made of any flexible resilient material, such as acetal plastic, which is substantially resistant to the harmful effects of periodic exposure to water and other liquids encountered during use.

The mesh tubes 20 and 22 are preferably bound by first deploying the interlocking loop 50 and substantially surrounding the mesh tube with the loop. The interlocking ring 50 is then secured by engaging the angled projection 56 with the groove 58 until they cooperate as described above.

Yet another preferred mesh tightening member is a continuous elastic loop 60 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . Elastomeric polymer rings are commonly known as O-rings, and they are commonly used on piping in fluid and gas devices (such as valves, reservoirs, pumps, etc.) as a means of preventing fluid flow from one part of the device to another device. In addition, these O-rings may also be used in medicine and veterinary medicine in procedures requiring clamping of an organ or tissue to prevent blood flow to the organ or tissue (eg, applications during castration of livestock).

Ring 60 is generally similar in structure and composition, but does not function as the O-ring described above. The ring 60 is preferably of continuous generally circular shape and is sized to remain in tension while tying the netting tube so as to apply a firm and durable tightening force. Ring 60 is preferably constructed of a flexible, resilient material that is substantially impervious to deterioration from the periodic detrimental effects of water or other fluids encountered during use. Ring 60 is preferably made of natural rubber or a highly elastic polymer such as silicone rubber, polyisoprene or the like.

The elastic loop 60 is used to tighten the mesh tube by first stretching the elastic loop 60 and fitting it down over a support (eg 24a, 24b, 26a or 26b). After the mesh tube is stretched and placed on the support, the elastic ring is raised to the top of the support and then secured at the center point of the tube.

Yet another preferred mesh tightening member is a breakable tether 62, as shown in Figures 12-15. The breakable tether 62 preferably has a feed strip 64 and a receiver (shoe 66). The feed bar 64 preferably has at least one locking barb 68 disposed on the feed bar 64 so that the breakable tether 62 can adequately wrap and restrain the mesh tubes 20 and 22 . Shoulder detent 69 is preferably adjacent barb 68 .

The receptacle 66 preferably has a lumen 70 and an inlet portion 72 and an outlet portion 74 . Disposed in the cavity 70 adjacent the access portion 72 is at least one angled (angled) finger 76 . A flexible member 78 connects the feed strip 64 to the receptacle 66 . The feed bar 64 preferably has a predetermined breaking point 80 that is formed as a region of reduced cross-section or other strain-inducing geometry (such as a perforation, etc.) so that bending or twisting around the predetermined breaking point 80 can Breakaway portion 84 allows easy removal of breakable portion 84 from breakable tether 62 .

The feed strip 64 and flexible member 78 of the breakable tether 62 are preferably constructed of a flexible material substantially resistant to the periodic detrimental action of water and other liquids that may be used. Both feed strip 64 and flexible member 78 are preferably fabricated from a suitable elastic polymer such as acetal or similar material. Receptacle 66 is preferably constructed of a substantially rigid material such as metal, wood, fiberglass or plastic. However, for economical reasons and to be structurally compatible with the flexible member 78, the receptacle 66 is preferably made of acetal by injection molding, but could be made by other methods, such as plastic welding or adhesive bonding. appropriate parts.

The mesh tubes 20 and 22 are preferably restrained by the breakable tether 62 by first substantially encircling the mesh tubes 20 and 22 with the flexible member 78 at the confluence of the actual center point. The feed strip 64 is then threaded through the inlet portion of the receptacle 66 so that it protrudes from the outlet portion 74 and the breakable tether 62 is tightened around the mesh tubes 20 and 22 . Selectively pulling the disconnectable tether 62 through the receptacle 62 until the inclined finger 76 engages the barb 68 and the shoulder detent 69 contacts the receptacle 66, thus preferably making the detachable tether 62 form a fixed circumference. long. Feed strip 64 may be stretched, twisted or bent after shoulder detent 69 contacts receptacle 66, thereby removing breakable portion 84 from feed strip 64 such that barb 68 still engages inclined finger 76, as shown in FIG. 15, while the rough edges remain in the receptacle 66. This ensures that the tether 62 is substantially free of cuts or protrusions that could injure the user of the polymeric mesh ball 36 . If more than one barb 68 is provided on the feed bar 64, the tether 62 can be converted to a predetermined number of fixed circumferences corresponding to the number of barbs 68 provided. Barb 68 and shoulder stopper 69 are preferably configured on the feed bar 64 so that when the tether 62 can be disconnected to tighten the net fabric tubes 20 and 22, the flexible member 78 is still in a stretched state, thereby extruding and cinch mesh tubes 20 and 22, forming a common center point 32. The angled fingers 76 preferably engage the barbs 68, thereby preventing substantial movement of the feed strip 64 in the direction in which the outlet portion 74 pours into the inlet portion 72, thereby maintaining the stretched condition of the flexible member 78 substantially permanently.

Yet another preferred mesh tightening member is a heated extrusion 86, as shown in FIG. The heated extruded portion 86 is formed by heating the mesh tubes 20 and 22 with a heat source so that the accumulated mesh melts where the mesh gathers at the actual center point, thereby forming a substantially permanent mesh tightening member. Therefore, the heated extruded portion 86 is not a detachable part that can be separated from the mesh tubes 20 and 22, unlike the preferred mesh tightening member 30 described above, but is formed with the mesh 20 and 22 after heating with a heat source. One, become part of it. The heat source used to melt the mesh tubes 20 and 22 may be electrically or thermally heated pinch irons or rollers, ultrasonic sealing devices, and the like.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The examples are not to be considered exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and changes can be made, and those skilled in the art can see these modifications and changes through the above description. In order to better illustrate the principle of the present invention and its practical application, the above-mentioned embodiments have been selected and described. Therefore, in practice The invention can be applied in various embodiments and with various modifications suited to particular uses. It is intended that the scope of the invention be determined by the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. swab, it comprises that at least one has the pleated tube of the open cell mesh fabric of reservation shape, this pipe can be nursed one's health into the many unordered folds of generation, form predetermined shape thus, this pipe has virtual center point, it is characterized in that a kind of lasting basically not abrasive basically tightening piece is fixed around this central point basically, thus the shape of holding tube.

2. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this reservation shape is spherical substantially.

3. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described tightening piece comprises the locking tether, and this locking tether comprises cord and jig.

4. device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that described jig also comprises seam, and this seam can make this cord of jig crimping.

5. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described tightening piece comprises interlocked rings.

6. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described tightening piece comprises continuous elastic ring.

7. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described tightening piece comprises the tether that disconnects that girth is fixing basically.

8. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described tightening piece is by assembling and the virtual center point of fusing mesh pipe forms.

Images