This invention relates generally to hygienic tools and more particularly to tools used to clean the hands and fingers.
Not only does civilized society demand cleanliness, but, basic hygiene also requires regular and thorough cleaning of the body. While the majority of the skin is either easily cleaned or is not excessively exposed to dirt and disease, the same cannot be said of the hands.
By their very nature, the hands are exposed in daily life and work to a wide range of grime and disease. The fingers pose the most difficult scenario for cleaning. The fingers provide extensive surface space which is not readily accessed with a hand brush; and the fingernails are particularly difficult to clean. Even after a thorough washing, a mechanic often still has xe2x80x9cblackxe2x80x9d fingernails.
Whether the cleaning required is after work in the garden or on the car, or requires antiseptic levels for medical procedures, cleaning of the fingers and fingernails is particularly difficult and time consuming. Since the task is so very time consuming, often the cleaning is haphazardly done.
It is clear from the foregoing that there is a need for an efficient tool to assist in the cleaning of fingers and fingernails.
The invention is a tool for cleaning fingers. In one embodiment of the invention, a closed-ended tube is used. The tube is large enough to accept a to-be-cleaned finger into the tube. Ideally, the tube""s length is not longer than the shortest of the user""s fingers; this attribute will become clear later.
The preferred embodiment has two interlocking tubes. Both tubes are closed ended with the open ends mating/connecting with each other. This interlocking attribute provides for an easily xe2x80x9csealedxe2x80x9d or contained apparatus for transport or storage between uses.
Each tube is configured to accept a finger from the user. Ideally, the first tube is used by the user initially with the second tube performing an optional cleaning or buffing function.
Within the first tube is a longitudinal brush. The longitudinal brush is used to clean the sides of the inserted finger as the tube is rotated around the finger. The longitudinal brush is secured to the tube through a variety of ways, obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Two such methods include: securing the longitudinal brush to the interior wall of the tube; and, securing an end of the longitudinal brush to the closed end of the tube.
In the latter situation, where the longitudinal brush is secured to the end of the tube, in some embodiments the end of the tube is removable. The ability to remove the end of the tube (and hence the longitudinal brush) permits the brush and tube to be easily cleaned, or the replacement of the longitudinal brush.
In the preferred embodiment, an end brush is secured to the interior portion of the closed end of the tube. This end brush permits the user to press the fingernail against the end brush. When the tube is rotated, the end brush moves against the surface and end of the fingernail to clean the fingernail. This action provides excellent cleaning beneath the fingernail.
In the embodiment where two tubes are used, the second tube includes a soft brush is used to softly clean the finger. This tube xe2x80x9cbuffsxe2x80x9d the finger and fingernail to provide a finishing cleaning operation.
Holes in the tube permit soap to enter and be used for the cleaning process. When the tube is in use, the user places the tube and finger under the stream of water and soaps the assembly, allowing the soap and water to enter the tube to assist in the cleaning process as the tube is rotated.
In one embodiment, a cavity is created within the tube. This cavity is xe2x80x9cchargedxe2x80x9d or loaded with soap, lotion, or antibacterial agents, using an exterior opening or portal. The liquid within the cavity is dispensed from the cavity into the interior of the tube; then, as the tube is rotated, the soap, lotion, or antibacterial lotion heightens the cleaning process.
To provide an antiseptic environment, some embodiments of the invention provide for a coating of anti-bacterial agents on the bristles on the brushes. This embodiment provides an anti-bacterial agent without any effort on the part of the user; periodically, the entire unit is replaced or the brushes are replaced (as in the case of the longitudinal brushes connected to a removable end-cap).
The invention, together with various embodiments thereof, will be more fully explained by the accompanying drawings and following description thereof.