Apparatus and Method for Encouraging Hand Washing
First Claim
1. An apparatus for hand washing and concurrently providing a visual interaction with a user, said apparatus having a hand washing component, comprising:
- a substantially spherical shell having a sidewall with an exterior surface;
an interior cavity of said shell defined by said sidewall;
said shell formed of malleable material deformable by a hand compression of a user;
an exhaust aperture on a first side of said shell, said exhaust aperture communicating through said sidewall with said interior cavity;
projections extending from said exterior surface;
a bladder housed within said interior cavity, said bladder having an internal cavity surrounded by a bladder wall;
a gap between said bladder wall and said sidewall;
an intake conduit communicating through said sidewall with said internal cavity, said intake providing a path for air to enter said internal cavity;
an exhaust conduit communicating between said internal cavity and a one-way valve positioned in said exhaust aperture;
said exhaust conduit communicating air from said internal cavity through said one-way valve during a compression of said hand washing component by a squeeze of a user'"'"'s hand;
an aperture operatively positioned to receive exhausting air communicated from said internal cavity through said one-way valve, during a said squeeze;
means for a communication of a soapy solution to said aperture and said exterior surface of said shell;
said aperture configured to form a liquid film therein subsequent to a said communication of said soapy solution;
said liquid film adapted to form said visual interaction in the form of a bubble, using said exhausting air communicated there-against during a said squeeze; and
said projections providing means for a scrubbing of said user'"'"'s hand during said squeeze, whereby said user squeezing said hand washing component to form a said bubble is concurrently provided with said scrubbing of their hand.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user'"'"'s hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for hand washing and concurrently providing a visual interaction with a user, said apparatus having a hand washing component, comprising:
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a substantially spherical shell having a sidewall with an exterior surface; an interior cavity of said shell defined by said sidewall; said shell formed of malleable material deformable by a hand compression of a user; an exhaust aperture on a first side of said shell, said exhaust aperture communicating through said sidewall with said interior cavity; projections extending from said exterior surface; a bladder housed within said interior cavity, said bladder having an internal cavity surrounded by a bladder wall; a gap between said bladder wall and said sidewall; an intake conduit communicating through said sidewall with said internal cavity, said intake providing a path for air to enter said internal cavity; an exhaust conduit communicating between said internal cavity and a one-way valve positioned in said exhaust aperture; said exhaust conduit communicating air from said internal cavity through said one-way valve during a compression of said hand washing component by a squeeze of a user'"'"'s hand; an aperture operatively positioned to receive exhausting air communicated from said internal cavity through said one-way valve, during a said squeeze; means for a communication of a soapy solution to said aperture and said exterior surface of said shell; said aperture configured to form a liquid film therein subsequent to a said communication of said soapy solution; said liquid film adapted to form said visual interaction in the form of a bubble, using said exhausting air communicated there-against during a said squeeze; and said projections providing means for a scrubbing of said user'"'"'s hand during said squeeze, whereby said user squeezing said hand washing component to form a said bubble is concurrently provided with said scrubbing of their hand. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification