PORTABLE CONTAINER FOR CLEANLY STORING A LOOFAH PUFF

Abstract

A portable container for cleanly containing a loofah puff in the form of a contoured sleeve. One end of the sleeve is open allowing the loofah puff to be put in or removed from the container. The opposite end is substantially closed with a central hole through which a loofah puff cord can be pulled to draw the loofah puff into the sleeve. The cord is left exposed so the container with the loofah puff inside can be hung by the cord if desired. The shape of the sleeve tends to bias the loofah puff in an ideal orientation for folded compression as the loofah puff is drawn into the container and uses the elasticity of the loofah puff to hold it within the sleeve once it is drawn all or most of the way into the sleeve. A lid closes the open end of the sleeve when desired.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view illustrating a personal care device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0002] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a set of components forming the personal care device of FIG. 1.

[0003] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view showing the personal care device of FIG. 1 illustrating a manner of pulling a loofah puff into a portable loofah puff container.

[0004] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the loofah puff operatively stored inside a portable loofah puff container of the personal care device of FIG. 1.

[0005] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view showing the personal care device of FIG. 1 illustrating a manner of pulling the loofah puff out of the portable loofah puff container.

[0006] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view illustrating the loofah puff operatively stored inside the portable loofah puff container of the personal care device of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 7A is a front elevation view showing placement of a personal care device of the present disclosure on a shower shelf to cleanly and neatly contain the loofah puff between uses.

[0008] FIG. 7B is a front elevation view showing a personal care device of the present disclosure suspended by a loofah cord loop of the loofah puff to cleanly and neatly contain the loofah puff between uses.

[0009] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 9 is a top view of the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1, the right side view being the same as the left side view.

[0013] FIG. 12 is a front view of the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1, the rear view being the same as the front view.

[0014] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a lid adapted to cover the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 15 top view of the lid of FIG. 14.

[0017] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 14.

[0018] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the lid of FIG. 14, the right side view being the same as the left side view.

[0019] FIG. 18 is a front view of the lid of FIG. 14, the rear view being the same as the front view.

[0020] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the lid of FIG. 14 attached to the portable loofah puff container of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 20 is an exploded bottom perspective view of portable loofah puff container and lid of FIG. 19.

[0022] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view illustrating an alternate personal care device according to another implementation of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view illustrating the loofah puff operatively stored inside an alternate portable container of the alternate personal care device of FIG. 21.

[0024] FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a loofah puff according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the loofah puff of FIG. 23, the rear view being the same as the front view.

[0026] FIG. 25 is an enlarged detail view of 25 of FIG. 24 illustrating an elongated looped cord of the loofah puff of FIG. 23.

[0027] FIG. 26 top view of the loofah puff of FIG. 23.

[0028] FIG. 27 is a left side view of the loofah puff of FIG. 23, the right side view being the same as the left side view.

[0029] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the loofah puff of FIG. 23.

[0030] FIG. 29 is a top view of an alternate personal care device according to an alternate implementation of the present disclosure showing the general shape of its top wall and a central hole in that top wall.

[0031] FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the portable loofah puff container of the personal care device of FIG. 29 revealing the front profile of the throated shape of a sleeve which provides the main body of the portable loofah puff container.

[0032] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the personal care device of FIG. 29.

[0033] FIG. 32 is an elevation view of the personal care device of FIG. 29 illustrating a manner of pulling the loofah puff into the portable loofah puff container.

[0034] FIG. 33 is an elevation views of the personal care device of FIG. 29 illustrating a manner of pulling the loofah puff out of the portable loofah puff container.

[0035] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the portable loofah puff container of personal care device of FIG. 29.

[0036] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an alternate lid attached to a portable loofah puff container having a first end modified to form a snap-fit engagement with the alternate lid, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the alternate lid of FIG. 35.

[0038] FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the alternate lid FIG. 35.

[0039] FIG. 38 is a front view of the alternate lid of FIG. 35.

[0040] FIG. 39 is a sectional view through the section 39-39 of FIG. 37.

[0041] FIG. 40 is a sectional view through the section 40-40 of FIG. 35.

[0042] FIG. 41 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the personal care device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure relates generally to personal care devices incorporating loofah puffs for use while bathing or showering and to portable containers adapted to contain the loofah puffs between uses. Loofah puffs (also known as "shower puffs" or "body poufs") are personal care articles for gently scrubbing the body and exfoliating loose skin cells during bathing. Loofah puffs are commonly made out of a netted synthetic material, which is gathered into looped sections to form a generally spherical shape. The netted synthetic material forming the mesh is commonly a durable polyethylene plastic or similar lightweight, resilient, and water-resistant composition. Although commonly formed from plastic, puffs are also available in forms made from crocheted cotton and even from spherically-shaped pieces of the fibrous core of the tropical loofah fruit from which the original "loofah" name is derived. Regardless of the selected material, loofah puffs commonly include a single nylon cord loop tied at the center of the puff, so the puff can be easily hung for drying after each use.

[0044] Loofah puffs are used daily by countless individuals throughout the world. During use, a user may wet the puff, apply soap, and use the article to clean their bodies. When they are finished bathing, they often hang the loofah puff from its cord, to allow the article to be air dried. Such use is acceptable when the puff is used in a bathing area used by one person only; however, tidiness and hygienic-contamination concerns arise when other individuals share the same bathing area. A need for a protective container to safely and conveniently store a loofah puff between uses clearly exists.

[0045] Another problem with loofah puffs arises when a person travels. Loofah puffs are particularly useful for showering, but can be problematic to pack in a suitcase or travel bag. Stuffing a loofah puff into a nook or cranny of a suitcase puts the loofah puff in an environment surrounded by bacteria. Moreover, if the loofah puff is still wet when packed, it can transfer moisture to other items in the suitcase. Travelers, hence, cope by either leaving their loofah puff at home, or put up with the cleanliness and wetness issues, as there has never been an ideal way to address such problems.

[0046] Once a loofah puff is exposed to foreign contaminants, its spongy moisture-retaining construction makes it a potential breeding ground for bacteria. The shower environment itself tends to be warm and humid, which further supports bacterial growth. If the loofah puff is not dried properly, bacteria can spread to the body during the next shower or bath. The resulting health risks are not only significant, but the uncertain cleanliness also gives a loofah user an uneasiness every time they use a loofah puff, particularly if they feel it might have been contaminated. Granted, associated sanitary risks are manageable when the puff remains in a single bathing facility used by only a single person, but the risks of cross-contamination escalate when more than one person uses the facility. Such risks are potentially even worse if the puff is being carried and used while traveling. As a result, even though loofah puffs are used for cleaning the body, they are easily dirtied and contaminated during traveling or when showers are used by multiple people. These and many other challenges will be evident to those of skill in the art, particularly when contemplated in light of the following disclosure.

[0047] Basic objectives of the present disclosure are to address the challenges of cleanly and neatly containing and managing loofah puffs. This includes the objective to provide a safe and clean container for consumers to store and transport their personal loofah puff. Related objectives also include providing a container that is aesthetically pleasing, while also having features that facilitate easy and compact compression of a loofah puff for tidy containment. It is also an objective to make loofah puffs and their surrounding bathing areas more appealing and clean in appearance. Another objective is to preserve and help keep loofah puffs clean. Still another objective is to provide a convenient, affordable and useful containment system and method, perhaps even in a form that can be used as a premium gift for advertising, promotion or the like (particularly one that is well suited for distribution by soap manufactures, hotels, lodges, and other places that accommodate travelers).

[0048] Implementations of the present disclosure have been developed to help address these and other objects in a manner that provides a safe environment to cleanly store a loofah puff when it is not being used. Most such implementations include a small, lightweight, portable container, constructed of polyethylene or other thermoplastic composition. Loofah puff containers provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure are generally elongate along a central axis that tends to be vertical when a loofah puff is stored therein. Such implementations generally have side walls that are throated in a midsection of the container to help retain a compressed loofah inside that container, despite the inherent tendency of a loofah to expand.

[0049] Such implementations may also have two openings: a larger loofah puff opening at one longitudinal end and a relatively smaller hole on the other end of the container through which a cord loop of the loofah puff can be grasped and pulled to facilitate insertion of the loofah puff into the container. The larger opening may be flared wide open for easy insertion and removal of the loofah puff relative to the container. The end opposite the wide-open end is generally closed, at least enough to block the loofah puff from being easily pulled or pushed out that end. Despite the closed nature of the opposing end, the closed end has a central hole that is relatively smaller than the loofah puff opening but large enough for one or two fingertips, through which the cord loop of the loofah puff can be grasped and pulled.

[0050] The various shapes and overall contour of the container works together with the smaller central hole so that the loofah puff can then be neatly drawn into the container by pulling on the loofah cord loop. This action of neatly drawing the loofah puff into the container is easiest when the loofah puff is positioned next to the large opening, oriented so that its cord loop hangs into the container and out through the central hole on the opposite end. As a secondary benefit of having the loop cord extend out of the central hole, the entire container can also be hung in a shower much the same as a loofah puff often is hung.

[0051] The combination of the larger, flared opening and the throated aspect of the sidewalls also gives the containers a stylish, contoured shape. It is noted that the shapes of the walls provide more than just attractive aesthetics. The resulting overall shape and its details also tend to bias the loofah puff in a surprisingly ideal orientation for folded compression as the loofah puff is drawn into the container. Then, because of the throated shape, once the loofah puff has been drawn into the container most of the way, the elasticity of the loofah puff tends to hold it within the container, despite its inherent tendency to re-expand. Implementations of the present disclosure may also have an end cap or lid to close the open end of the sleeve when desired. The combined features and overall functionality of such implementations make them ideal for cleanly and neatly containing a loofah puff for drip drying over a bath or shower basin and for cleanly storing the loofah puff in luggage during travel.

[0052] It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following descriptions or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of many other implementations and of being practiced and carried out in numerous other ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0053] We now provide descriptions of how to make and use various implementations of the present disclosure. Alternative implementations are also described in various respects, sometimes separately and sometimes amid a description about a primary implementation. The reader should understand that, whenever things are referenced directly or indirectly in these descriptions as alternatives, equivalents or the like, those things may be substituted or combined in virtually any combination where the other alternatives, equivalents or the like are described, illustrated, or implied as being used. The reader should assume as much for all implementations, whether fully described or not, except perhaps to the extent that one of ordinary skill in the art would clearly recognize that such other combinations would not result in any of the structure, functionality, objectives or purposes of the disclosure as ultimately claimed.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 34, parts of various implementations are referenced using like numerals for similar and/or potentially equivalent components from one implementation to another, such that the numbering itself helps illuminate alternative components from one implementation to another. Although other alternatives are referenced as well, the drawings generally illustrate implementations relating to personal care articles and related items. The primary implementations of the present disclosure are identified herein as personal care article 100, alternate personal care device 200, loofah puff 240, and alternate personal care device 300. Personal care article 100 is shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 20, alternate personal care device 200 is illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, loofah puff 240 is shown in FIG. 23 through FIG. 28, and alternate personal care device 300 is shown in FIG. 29 through FIG. 34.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 20 showing a first implementation of the present disclosure, personal care article 100 comprises include portable container 102 for loofah puff 140, lid 180 adapted to protectively cap the portable container 102, and in some implementations of the present disclosure, loofah puff 140, as shown. Loofah puff 140 may include loofah cord loop 142 that extends at least a minimum cord length L1 from the netted body portion of loofah puff 140, as shown in FIG. 3. Portable container 102 comprises elongated sleeve 120 defining internal storage space 132 adapted to protectively contain loofah puff 140 in a generally compressed state 128 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

[0056] Sleeve 120 further comprises first end 120a, second end 120c, and midsection 122 located between first end 120a and second end 120c, first end 120a and second end 120c being at opposite ends of longitudinal axis C-C. First end 120a is open, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 13, to allow loofah puff 140 to pass into and out of sleeve 120. Transverse upper wall 115 is integrally formed with sleeve 120 at second end 120c of sleeve 120, as shown. Transverse upper wall 115 is oriented generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis C-C such that transverse upper wall 115 closes second end 120c of sleeve 120 to block loofah puff 140 from passing beyond second end 120c.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, transverse upper wall 115 includes central hole 119 to allow free passage of distal end 143 of loofah cord loop 142 through transverse upper wall 115, as shown in FIG. 3. This arrangement allows user 20 to hold loofah puff 140 over open first end 120a of sleeve 120 and guide loofah cord loop 142 through sleeve 120 and out of central hole 119 of transverse upper wall 115 at second end 120c of elongate sleeve 120. To allow loofah cord loop 142 to pass through sleeve 120, the sleeve is arranged to have sleeve length L2 parallel to longitudinal axis C-C that is shorter than minimum length L1 of loofah cord loop 142, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0058] User 20 may insert loofah puff 140 into container 102 by grasping distal end 143 of loofah cord loop 142 from outside second end 120c of elongate sleeve 120 to pull loofah puff 140 into and past large opening 130 of first end 120c of sleeve 120. User 20 continues to pull loofah puff 140 toward the closed second end 120c until loofah puff 140 passes through opening 130 and into internal storage space 132 of container 102, as shown in FIG. 4. Loofah puff 140 will remain securely contained inside container 102, until needed. At this point, user 20 can selectively place lid 180 over opening 130 of container 102 to allow easy storage and travel of loofah puff 140.

[0059] Second ribbon loop 144 of loofah puff 140 is positioned generally opposite loofah cord loop 142 facilitating pulling compressed loofah puff 140 away from second end 120c of elongate sleeve 120 outwardly through opening 130 of first end 120a. FIG. 5 shows user 20 pulling loofah puff 140 out of container 102 using second ribbon loop 144. Second ribbon loop 144 may be attached to loofah puff 140 by tying or otherwise securing second ribbon loop 144 to loofah cord loop 142.

[0060] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of container 102 with loofah puff 140 operatively stored inside container 102 along with bottom lid 180. Once loofah puff 140 is protectively stowed within container 102, the user can then place lid 180 over the bottom opening 130 of container 102 to allow easy storage and travel of loofah puff 140 (see also FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B and FIG. 19 showing lid 180 engaged with container 102). Lid 180 is sized to fit inside elongate sleeve 120 for convenient storage, shipping, sales, etc. (by orienting lid 180 so the axis of its greatest length is similarly oriented to longitudinal axis C-C of container when inside container). Additionally, lid 180 may include central hole 121 to facilitate drainage when the lid is attached to loofah puff container 102.

[0061] In some implementations of the present disclosure, container 102 is sold with loofah puff 140 to allow the consumer to buy both products at once. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, personal care article 100 may also be arranged as a kit 160. In some implementations, personal care article 100 may include loofah puff 140, portable container 102, lid 180, and instructions 172 (see FIG. 2). Instructions 172 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of personal care article 100 such that personal care article 100 can be used, maintained, etc.

[0062] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B depict the typical context of use of the personal care article. In FIG. 7A, loofah puff container 102 is shown resting in its normal orientation on shelf 5 of shower 10, where it takes up relatively little shelf space. Cord loop 142 is shown visibly extending out from central hole 119 in transverse upper wall 115 of loofah puff container 102, which indicates in this view that compressed loofah puff 140 is protectively housed therein.

[0063] When loofah puff 140 is contained inside container 102, longitudinal axis C-C of container 102 tends to be positioned vertically, as shown. The vertical orientation central longitudinal axis C-C is facilitated by the design of container 102. For instance, the lowermost edge of the main sleeve 120 of the container 102 has a bottom edge 120e that is substantially planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C-C, as indicated by the dashed-line depiction of FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. Likewise, if that lowermost edge is closed by bottom lid 180, the bottom surface of that bottom lid 180 is likewise substantially planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C-C. Hence, when container 102 is conveniently placed to rest on a horizontal shelf such as shelf 5 in shower 10, longitudinal axis C-C of container 102 tends to be positioned vertically, as shown in FIG. 7A. Alternatively, while container 102 can be hung with cord loop 142 that extends out of a central hole in transverse upper wall 115 of container 102, the longitudinal axis C-C of container 102 tends to be positioned vertically due to the center of gravity when it hangs, as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0064] For related reasons, the geometric features of container 102 also enable a user to position the container with transverse upper wall 115 facing upward. Such an upward orientation of closed transverse upper wall 115 is beneficial because it helps shield the stored loofah puff 140 from contaminants that might fall from above container 102, and the corresponding orientation of container 102 allows moisture to drip out the open first end 120a of the container 102 (or central hole 121 if the lid 180 is attached), thereby allowing loofah puff 140 to drip dry despite being contained in container 102.

[0065] Various design aspects of portable loofah puff container 102 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 8 to 13. The depicted container may be described as being "doubly flared" in that it flares at both ends (120a, 120c), and sleeve 120 is "throated" in that it comprises a reduced cross-sectional area in the narrowed midsection 122 between the two ends (120a, 120c).

[0066] The general shape of transverse upper wall 115 is visible along with a central hole 119 formed in that transverse upper wall 115. The transverse upper wall 115 is preferably integrally formed with sleeve 120, such that they are one integral part. With specific reference to FIG. 8, transverse upper wall 115 of the container 102 is preferably planar with radius corners that smoothly transition to the adjoining sidewalls 120b, as shown. Central hole 119 is preferably situated in the middle of transverse upper wall 115, as shown in FIG. 9. Central hole 119 has smooth edges and is generally an appropriately-sized hole for a finger or two of the user's hand to reach in and grasp at least the distal end 143 of cord loop 142 attached to loofah puff 140.

[0067] As noted above, the longitudinal length of container 102 (and its dimension along axis C-C) is shorter than the normal length of loofah cord loop 142 of loofah puff 140, thus making make it possible for the distal end 143 of cord loop 142 to extend through the sleeve and out of the central hole 119. For shorter loofah cords, an extra loop of cord may be added as a cord extension by looping the extra loop through the pre-existing shorter loop and then tucking and pulling it through itself. In any case, once the distal end 143 is grasped by the user's hand, the entire loofah puff 140 can be pulled into container 102, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The shape of central hole 119 is shown as substantially circular, which is only one of many possible shapes of a safe-size hole 119.

[0068] The transverse upper wall 115 is purposefully shaped, not only for style but to help container 102 hold a loofah puff 140 therein. The side edges of the transverse upper wall 115 are smoothly curved throughout. The transverse upper wall 115 of the portable container 102 includes a curvature so that the second end 120c of the sleeve 120 is edgeless to prevent collection of fluid (water, etc.).

[0069] As noted above, large opening 130 (as well as smaller central hole 119) allows air to pass through and water to escape from the interior of the container to facilitate drying. The plastic container 102 may be constructed of a non-porous material that assists in reducing or eliminating bacteria growth within loofah puff 140 and container 102.

[0070] Bottom lid 180 is sized to fit over bottom opening 130 of sleeve 120. This allows the consumer to safely carry the loofah puff 140 for travel purposes. Thus, loofah puff 140, while it is in the container 102, can be stored away from other water, soap suds, and bacteria. The advantages of having loofah puff 140 stored in dry in a safe environment, which facilitates safe transport of the device during travel, are many.

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, bottom lid 180 is generally planar and smooth, as shown. Bottom lid 180 has a flange 181 so that it will form a tight yet removable fit over opening 130 of container 102. The perimeter flange of bottom lid 180 extends up slightly (according to one implementation, approximately 0.76 cm) and the flared character of lower first end 120a helps ensure a snug fit. The perimeter flange of bottom lid 180 comprises a geometric shape generally matching the open end of container 102. Bottom lid 180 is preferably constructed from one or more durable and waterproof plastic polymers or an equivalent. The bottom can be made by injection, blow molding, or other well-known fabrication methods.

[0072] The unique bottom flare allows container 102 to squeeze the loofah puff 140 and to assist in guiding the loofah puff 140 into container 102. As noted above, the narrowed midsection of sleeve 120 functions to retain the loofah puff 140 in place. The bottom flange creates a secure fit around the cover of container 102. The secure fit allows water to stay in the container 102, which can protect clothes and luggage when traveling. This will prevent a wet loofah puff 140 from getting things around it wet when it is in the container 102.

[0073] The portable containers (102, 210, 310) of the present disclosure may be constructed from lightweight, durable, and waterproof materials that are easily recycled at the end of their useful life, such as polyethylene (PE) or similar commercially-available plastic compositions. Container 102 is designed to at least last the lifespan of a loofah puff 140, which is preferably about one to six months on average.

[0074] The main part of container 102 is formed as one integral piece, which includes transverse upper wall 115 as well as the sidewalls 120b that make up sleeve 120. Preferably, sleeve 120 and transverse upper wall 115 are molded in the final shape of the container 102 in one step, although other manufacturing approaches may be used.

[0075] The narrowed midsection 122 enclosing the reduced cross section of the space inside the sleeve 120 can also be seen in the bottom view of the portable loofah puff container 102 shown in FIG. 10, which shows how the narrowed midsection 122 is of smaller size than the opening 130 of wide open first end 120a. FIG. 10 also shows how narrowed midsection 122 is more elliptical than opening 130. The wide open aspect of large opening 130 is large enough to allow a slightly compressed loofah puff 140 to pass into and out of sleeve 120, and the size of the narrowed midsection 122 is also large enough to allow passage of loofah puff 140 therethrough, albeit slightly more compressed than it is when passing through opening 130.

[0076] In addition to aesthetics, one purpose of the flared aspect of open first end 120a is to enable receipt and compression of a loofah puff 140 as it is being pulled into container 102. As described herein, the narrowed midsection 122 is beneficial with respect to the drawing in and holding of a loofah puff 140 inside container 102, while also making container 102 more hand graspable.

[0077] FIG. 12 shows a front elevation view of portable loofah puff container 102, revealing the front profile of the throated shape of sleeve 120, which provides the main body of container 102. The throated shape of sidewalls 120b of container 102 tends to cause compression of the loofah puff 140 as it is pulled into the interior space of the container 102. Most loofah puffs are highly compressible and resilient such that no flexing of container 102 is necessary. Nonetheless, because the composition of container 102 allows some flex, the externally concave sidewalls 120b of the container 102 can flex to enable passage of the loofah puff 140. To the extent the sidewalls 120b flex when the loofah puff 140 is pulled therein, the plastic composition of the sidewalls 120b will then compress around the loofah puff 140 to help keep it in place within the container 102. Moreover, the inherent elasticity of container 102 allows narrowed midsection 122 to slightly expand if necessary, such as if the loofah puff 140 is too large or gets bunched up as it is being pulled into container 102. In the reverse direction, the flare of open first end 120a also helps for a more gradual and less wearing process when loofah puff 140 is removed from container 102.

[0078] The flare at the opposite closed second end 120c next to transverse upper wall 115 further contributes to the aesthetics but also helps functionality. The flare adjacent the closed end is generally wide enough on upper second end 120c to allow enough volume to store a sizable part of the loofah puff 140 in the compressed state. The increased volume in the upper second end 120c allows some of the compressed loofah puff 140 to expand therein, which has been observed to assist in drying the loofah puff 140. More importantly, though, the flare in the upper closed second end 120c helps hold the loofah puff 140 inside container 102, as the slightly expanded parts of the loofah puff would have to be compressed again for the loofah puff 140 to be removed from the container 102. The tight fit of the container also results in the loofah puff scrubbing the inside of container 102, to help inhibit growth of bacteria inside the container 102, which is a smooth plastic material.

[0079] The outer surface of sleeve 120 can also contain indicia 124, such as product branding information, instructions for use, and advertisements for manufactures, travel lodges, and other commercial establishments (see FIG. 1). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other external arrangements such as, for example, providing additional bar-codes, molding surface features into the container, applying anti-bacterial coating to the surfaces, applying rubberized grips, blending selected colorants with the plastics, providing features to "leash" the lid to the containing housing, etc., may be sufficient.

[0080] Although one size of container 102 can work for many various sizes of loofah puffs, the loofah puff 140 being used will best determine the size of the container 102. The flared ends also help the loofah puff 140 retain its shape. For standard sized loofah puffs, the measurement of the widest dimension W-W (see FIG. 9) of container 102 could range from 9.5 cm to 9.5 cm.times.5.5 cm. The size of container 102 will increase as the size of the loofah puff 140 increases.

[0081] As noted above, the curvature of container 102 was found to assist in guiding the flow of the loofah puff 140 within container 102. The curvature also allows the loofah puff 140 to collapse into itself and to compress neatly and in a safe manner. In one implementation, the narrowed midsection 122, which is the narrowest part of the container 102, will be between 5.5 cm and 6.5 cm across.

[0082] Loofah puff 140 embodies a compressible item having a hanging line attached thereto. Other compressible items may be used with the sleeve and portable container of the present disclosure. Loofah cord loop 142 is a hanging line as it is adapted to hang the loofah puff (see, e.g., FIG. 7B). The hanging line may be implemented as a cord, loop, rope, ribbon, or other material. The compressible item may also comprise a pulling line (e.g., ribbon loop 144). Pulling line is adapted to pull the compressible item out of the sleeve. In one implementation, pulling line is secured to hanging line (see, e.g., FIG. 24). Pulling line may be implemented as a cord, loop, rope, ribbon, or other material.

[0083] FIG. 8 shows that bottom opening 130 of the container 102 has a different shape than that of the transverse upper wall 115. Whereas transverse upper wall 115 has an elliptical shape, the bottom opening 130 preferably flattens out to four vertices 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d. The bottom opening 130 is of sufficient size to allow the loofah puff 140 to enter the container 102 and become compressed. More specifically, in one implementation, bottom opening 130 has dimensions, as measured parallel to plane of symmetry S-S, from about 5.5 cm to about 7.5 cm. The shape and flare of the bottom first end 120a is designed to guide in the loofah puff 140 without damaging it. While many loofah puffs are tied much as with a bowtie, the rounded rectangular shape of opening 130 also tends to fold the loofah puff 140 as it is drawn into container 102.

[0084] In general, the shape of container 102 is similar that of an elliptic hyperboloid. However, when considered in closer detail, it is a hybrid shape that has a transitioning cross section. Considering cross sections perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis C-C, the shape of the space enclosed by sleeve 120 transitions between a generally elliptical cross section and a generally rounded pseudo-rectangular cross section at the open end, as shown. Throughout the length of the sleeve, the cross section is consistently oblong, in that its wide dimension has consistently the same orientation relative to its small dimension. At the large opening 130, its cross section approaches a smooth rectangular geometry having convex sides, as viewable in FIG. 9. At the narrowed midsection, the cross-section of the sleeve has a smooth geometric cross-sectional shape, which may be described as rounded or elliptical. In the portion between the narrowed midsection 122 and transverse upper wall 115, its cross section gradually increases in size again, transitioning from the smoothly rounded throat toward the rounded pseudo-rectangular of the transverse upper wall 115, as shown.

[0085] FIG. 21 is an elevation view of an alternate portable loofah puff container 210. Portable loofah puff container 210 is shown in use in conjunction with loofah puff 140 in a view closely analogous with the view of FIG. 3, albeit showing container 210 rather than container 102. FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the alternate container 210 of FIG. 21, with loofah puff 140 operatively stored inside container 210, uniquely showing alternate bottom lid 280 that, when desired, can be used to close the main opening, in a view closely analogous with the view of FIG. 6, albeit showing container 210 rather than container 102.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 together, the large opening 230 is circular in shape to allow for an easy pull of the loofah puff 140 into container 210. Opposite the wide open end of the container 210, its other end is generally closed, at least enough to block the loofah puff 140 from being easily pulled or pushed out that end. Despite the closed nature of that opposite end, however, the closed end has a sizable central hole through which the cord loop of the loofah puff 140 can be pulled. The contour of the container 210 works together with the hole so that, with a loofah puff 140 positioned next to the large opening and its cord loop hanging into the container 210 and out through the central hole on the opposite end, the loofah puff 140 can then be neatly drawn into the container 210 by pulling on the loofah cord loop 142. As a secondary benefit of having the loop cord extend out of the central hole 219, the entire container 210 can also be hung in a shower much the same as a loofah puff 140 often is. The combination of the flared opening and the circular cross-sectional aspect of the sidewalls 220b also gives container 210 a stylish shape. Once the loofah puff 140 has been drawn into container 210 most of the way, the cylindrical container 210 uses the elasticity of the loofah puff 140 to hold it within the container 210, despite its inherent tendency to re-expand. Implementations of container 210 may also have an end cap or lid 280 to close the open end of the sleeve when desired. As above, the lid 280 may include an aperture 282, as shown. Aperture 282 of lid is sized such that loofah puff 140 cannot pass through aperture 282 of lid.

[0087] Both of the above-described implementations incorporate elongated sleeves as a main part of the container with one end of such sleeves preferably fully open, while the other end is generally closed. As is the case with most implementations of the present disclosure, both styles as shown also have a shape that is centric and symmetrical, as will be described further herein. Such "centric" shape indicates that the bulk of the shape generally centers around a longitudinal central axis. Such "symmetrical" shape is in reference to the general symmetrical of the sleeve about one or more planes of symmetry that intersect the longitudinal central axis of the shape. For instance, with reference to container 102 of FIG. 1 through FIG. 20, its shape is centric in that it centers around the longitudinal central axis C-C. Also, with reference to container 102, its shape is symmetrical in that it is symmetrical about two planes of symmetry W-W and S-S that intersect the longitudinal central axis C-C of the container (see FIG. 9). For container 102, the planes of symmetry W-W and S-S intersect the longitudinal central axis C-C and are orthogonal to each other.

[0088] Nonetheless, there are some functional and aesthetic differences between the two styles of implementations of container 102 and container 210 that are shown in the drawings. For instance, in the first version, the sleeve 120 is "doubly-flared" whereas the second version contains a single flare located at the opening 230 of container 210. The sleeve 220 of container 210 has a circular perpendicular cross section throughout its length, whereas the sleeve 120 of container 102 has consistently oblong perpendicular cross sections throughout its length. The term "oblong," is defined as a shape having a perpendicular cross section that is wider in one direction than in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, for instance, the shape of the perpendicular cross section of sleeve 120 at its open first end 120a is the shape of its opening 130, which is oblong in that it is wider in the direction of the plane of symmetry W-W and it is narrowest in the direction of the orthogonal plane of symmetry S-S. Because of its oblong, narrowed at the midsection and doubly flared characteristics, sleeve 120 therefore can be referred to as an oblongly-cylindrical sleeve with doubly-flared ends. Its resulting overall shape also has an appearance much like a single-sheeted elliptic hyperboloid.

[0089] The combined features and overall functionality of such implementations make them ideal for cleanly containing a loofah puff 140, which can be used for tidily containing such a loofah puff 140 over a bath or in a shower, and which can also be used to cleanly store it in luggage during travel.

[0090] FIG. 23 through FIG. 28 show various views, illustrating loofah puff 240, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Loofah puff 240 includes an unusual second ribbon loop 144, in addition to the primary cord loop 242. In the depicted implementation, the ribbon loop 144 is a loop of flat polymer fabric that has been added to the alternate loofah puff 240 by tying it to an internal central knot 248 of the puff structure (see FIG. 24), although strings or other material could be used rather than a ribbon material, and other connection techniques would likely be equivalent. To best serve its purpose in enabling removal of loofah puff 240 from the containers, the ribbon loop 144 is tied to the central knot 248 in an orientation to extend from that knot in the opposite direction from that of cord loop 242, as shown. The ribbon loop 144 is shown here as a unique enhancement to the loofah puff 240, to facilitate its use with container 102 and container 210; however, it should be noted that the ribbon loop 144 could be replaced by a second cord, string, tab or the like, which are similarly connectable to the loofah puff 140 and alternate loofah puff 240. Moreover, the cord loop 242 that extends from the loofah puff 240 in the opposite direction may alternately be supplied as a ribbon, string, tab, or the like. The cord loop 242 may comprise a multi-strand braded cord, as best shown in the enlarged detail view of FIG. 25.

[0091] Cord loop 242 may be constructed from a durable and waterproof polymer such as polyethylene or nylon. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other cord arrangements such as, for example, providing additional cord loops, utilizing alternate materials, etc., may be sufficient.

[0092] FIG. 29 depicts top wall 315 of container 310 of alternate personal care device 300. With reference to FIG. 29, the general shape of top wall 315 is shown along with the central hole 319 in the top wall 315. The central hole 319 is shown situated in the middle of top wall 315, as shown. Central hole 319 has smooth edges and is generally a safe size hole for a finger or two of a user to reach in and grasp at least the distal end 143 of the cord loop 142 attached to the loofah puff 140 (see FIG. 32). As above, the length of container 310 (and its dimension along axis C-C) is shorter than the normal length of the loofah cord loop 142 of loofah puff 140 to allow the end of the cord loop 142 to extend out of central hole 319, as shown.

[0093] The shape of central hole 319 is shown as substantially circular, which is only one of many possible shapes of the hole 319.

[0094] The side edges of the top wall 315 come together at two points 324a and 324b, while those specific side edges are otherwise smoothly curved throughout. FIG. 30 shows a front elevation view of the alternate portable loofah puff container 310 of FIG. 29, revealing the front profile of the throated shape of the sleeve 320, which provides the main body of container 310. As with the prior implementations, throat 322 encloses a reduced cross section of the space inside the sleeve 320, in the midsection 320b of said sleeve 320. The throated aspect of container 310 can also be seen in the bottom view of the alternate portable loofah puff container 310 shown in FIG. 31, which shows how throat 322 is of smaller size than the opening 330 of wide open end 320a.

[0095] FIG. 31 also shows how the throat 322 is more smooth and elliptical than the opening 330. The wide open aspect of the large opening 330 is large enough to allow a slightly compressed loofah puff 140 to pass into and out of sleeve 320, and the size of throat 322 is also large enough to allow passage of loofah puff 140 therethrough, albeit slightly more compressed than it is when passing through opening 330. As previously described, the throat 322 serves various benefits in drawing and holding a loofah puff 140 inside container 310, while also making container 310 more graspable.

[0096] FIGS. 32 and 33 are elevation views of the alternate portable loofah puff container 310 of FIG. 29 during its use in conjunction with loofah puff 140, with FIG. 32 illustrating a preferred manner of drawing the loofah puff 140 into the container 310, and FIG. 33 illustrating a preferred manner of drawing the loofah puff 140 out of the container 310 using the ribbon loop 144.

[0097] The top wall 315 is transversely oriented across the generally closed end 320c of the sleeve 320, and is thusly oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis C-C. Thus, the top wall 315 closes the end 320c of sleeve 320 to block a loofa puff 140 from passing into or out of that end 320c of sleeve 320. Despite its generally closed nature, top wall 315 has a central hole 319 therethrough, which is large enough to allow free passage of a distal end of the loofah cord loop 142 of a loofah puff 140, as shown.

[0098] Given the spatial relationship between large opening 330 and the smaller hole 319, user 20 is easily able to hold loofah puff 140 over the wide open end 320a of sleeve 320 in a manner such that the distal end of the loofah cord loop 142 of said loofah puff 140 hangs through sleeve 320 and out the central hole 319, as shown in FIG. 32. When the loop 142 is hanging through in this manner, the user 20 can then grasp the loofah cord loop 142 from outside said closed end 320c of the sleeve 320, to pull the loofah puff 140 into the other, wide open end 320a of sleeve 320 by pulling on the loofah cord loop 142. Referring to FIG. 30 for more detail, the main part of container 310 is one integral piece, which includes top wall 315 as well as the sidewalls that make up sleeve 320. In addition to aesthetics, the main purpose for the flared aspect of the open end 320a is to enable receipt and compression of a loofah puff 140 as it is being pulled into container 310. The container 310 also has some elasticity that allows throat 322 to slightly expand if necessary, such as if the loofah puff 140 is too large or gets bunched up as it is being pulled into container 310. In the reverse direction, the flare of open end 320a also helps for a more gradual and less wearing process when the loofah puff 140 is removed from container 310.

[0099] The flare at the opposite end 320c next to the top wall 315 not only further contributes to the aesthetics but also helps functionality. This flare is generally wide enough on upper end 320c to allow enough volume to store a sizable part of the compressed loofah puff 140. The increased volume in the upper end 320c allows some of the compressed loofah puff 140 to expand therein, which may help in drying the puff 140. More importantly, though, the flare in the upper end 320c helps hold the puff 140 inside container 310, as the slightly expanded parts of the loofah puff would have to be compressed again for the loofah puff 140 to be removed from the container 310. The tight fit of the container causes the puff to scrub the inside of container 310, to help destroy any bacteria growing inside the container 310.

[0100] As above, the container 310 is made up of a polymer, a hard plastic, or an equivalent in the art. The main body of the container 310 will be a smooth plastic. The outer surface of the sleeve 320 can also contain advertisements for manufactures, travel lodges, and other commercial establishments.

[0101] FIG. 31 shows that the bottom opening 330 of the container 310 has a different shape than that of the top wall 315. Whereas top wall 315 has an almond shape that formed two vertices 324a and 324b, the bottom opening 330 preferably flattens out to four vertices 325a-325d. The bottom opening 330 is large enough to allow the loofah puff 140 to enter the container 310 and become compressed. The shape and flare of the bottom end 320a is designed to guide in the loofah puff 140 without damaging it.

[0102] As viewed in FIG. 34, when a loofah puff 140 is contained inside the container 310, the longitudinal axis C-C of container 310 tends to be positioned vertically. The vertical orientation central longitudinal axis C-C is encouraged by the design of container 310.

[0103] For instance, the lowermost edge of the main sleeve 320 of container 310 has a bottom edge that is substantially planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C-C. Likewise, if that lowermost edge is closed by bottom cap 380, the bottom surface of that bottom cap 380 is likewise substantially planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C-C. Hence, when container 310 is conveniently placed to rest on a horizontal shelf such as shelf in a shower (see, e.g., FIG. 7A), the longitudinal axis C-C of container 310 tends to be positioned vertically. Alternatively, while container 310 can be hung with the cord loop 142 that extends out a central hole in top wall 315 of container 310, the longitudinal axis C-C of container 310 tends to be positioned vertically due to the center of gravity when it hangs (see, e.g., FIG. 7B).

[0104] For related reasons, the features of container 310 also cause a user to position the container with top wall 315 facing upward. Such an upward orientation of top wall 315 is beneficial because it helps shield the stored loofah puff 140 from contaminants that might fall from above container 310, and the corresponding orientation of container 310 allows moisture to drip out the open end 320a of container 310, thereby allowing loofa puff 140 to drip dry despite being contained.

[0105] FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 are different perspective views of container 310, showing detailed aspects of its overall shape. In general, the shape of container 310 is similar that of an elliptic hyperboloid. However, when considered in closer detail, it is a hybrid shape that has a transitioning cross section. Considering cross sections perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis C-C, the shape of the space enclosed by sleeve 320 transitions. Throughout the length of that enclosed space, it is consistently oblong, in that its wide dimension has consistently the same orientation relative to its small dimension. At the large open end 330, its cross section has an almost rhomboid shape, as viewable in FIG. 31.

[0106] Then, at its narrowest or most throated point 322, the space's cross-section has its smoothest shape, which may be described as rounded or elliptical. In the portion between throat 322 and top wall 315, its cross section gradually increases in size again, transitioning from the smoothly rounded throat toward the eye-like, mandorla shape (also known as vesica piscis) of the top wall 315, which tapers to two opposite corners 324a and 324b.

[0107] FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of container 310 with loofah puff 140 operatively stored inside container 310, uniquely showing bottom cap 380 that, when desired, can be used to close the main opening 330 of container 310. Cap 380 may contain an opening as described above with respect to other implementations.

[0108] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an alternate lid 480 attached to a portable loofah puff container 102 having a first end 120a modified to form a snap-fit engagement with the alternate lid 480, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of alternate lid 480 shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of alternate lid 480 shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 38 is a front view of alternate lid 480 shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 39 is a sectional view through the section 39-39 of FIG. 37, showing the features of alternate lid 480 in greater detail. FIG. 40 is a sectional view through the section 40-40 of FIG. 35, showing alternate lid 480 of FIG. 35 removably attached to portable loofah puff container 102.

[0109] The lid implementation illustrated in FIG. 35 to FIG. 40 is substantially similar to that of FIG. 1 to FIG. 20, as is indicated by the like reference numerals. This alternative implementation differs from the other only to the extent of the differences discussed in the following paragraphs. FIG. 35 shows an alternate lid 480 attached to a portable loofah puff container 102 having a first end 120a modified to allow a snap-fit engagement with the alternate lid 480 to be achieved.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 37, alternate lid 480 includes an annular snap-joint assembly 402 adapted to firmly but separably secure the lid to modified first end 120a of the portable loofah puff container 102. The annular snap-joint assembly 402 includes an annular flange 481 outwardly projecting from the alternate lid 480. The annular flange 481 includes a continuous recess 406 extending circumferentially about the base of the annular flange 481, as best shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. 39. The front view of FIG. 38 shows the relationship of the projecting annular flange 481 and continuous recess 406 relative to the planar body of the alternate lid 480.

[0111] FIG. 40 is a sectional view through the section 40-40 of FIG. 35, showing the alternate lid 480 of FIG. 35 attached to the portable loofah puff container 102. As shown in FIG. 40, the first end 120a of the portable loofah puff container 102 is modified to include a projection 412 extending into the interior of the large opening of the first end 120a. In one implementation, projection 412 is limited to opposing sides of first end 120a. In another implementation, projection 412 may extend circumferentially about first end 120a.

[0112] In use, alternate lid 480 may be securely attached to the portable loofah puff container 102 by passing the annular flange 481 of the lid through large opening of the first end 120a and by continuing to press the lid toward the interior of the sleeve until the recess 406 of the annular flange 481 engages the projections 412 of the sleeve in an interlocked relationship, as best shown in FIG. 40. The shapes of the annular recess 406 and projections 412 are cooperatively configured such that the alternate lid 480 and the portable loofah puff container 102 may be readily separable by the user, as needed.

[0113] FIG. 41 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 of use for the above-described personal care devices, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. As illustrated, method 500 may include the steps of: step one, 501, providing in combination, a container, a loofah puff having a loofah puff cord, and a lid sized to fit over the open first end of the sleeve of such container (as generally described in FIG. 1 through FIG. 34); step two, 502, pulling the loofah puff cord through the central hole of the second end until the loofah puff is positioned inside the elongate sleeve; step three, 503, storing the container containing the loofah puff; and step four, 504, capping the first end with the lid prior to storing the container.

[0114] It should be noted that step 504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 41 to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference.

[0115] In summary, the present disclosure describes personal care devices, each one including a portable container for cleanly containing a loofah puff, which can be used for tidily containing such a loofah puff over a bath or in a shower, and which can also be used to cleanly store it in luggage during travel. The container is more or less in the form of a contoured sleeve, with one end that is wide open for allowing the loofah puff to be put in or removed from the container, and an opposite end that is substantially closed but has a central hole through which the loofah puff's cord can be pulled to neatly draw the loofah puff into the sleeve and then leave the cord exposed so that the container with the loofah puff inside can be hung by the loofah cord if desired. The shape of the sleeve has several unique aspects which in one aspect tends to bias the loofah puff in an ideal orientation for folded compression as the loofah puff is drawn into the container, and which in another aspect uses the elasticity of the loofah puff to hold it within the sleeve once it is drawn all the way or most of the way into the sleeve.

[0116] While the present invention has been described with respect to various implementations, many modifications and variations can be made to persons skilled in the art, particularly when these descriptions and the accompanying illustrations are thoughtfully contemplated considering the many teachings of the prior art.

Claims

1. A portable container for a loofah puff, the loofah puff having a loofah cord loop that extends at least a minimum cord length from said loofah puff, said portable container for a loofah puff comprising: an elongate sleeve defining a storage space therein to contain said loofah puff in a compressed state, said elongate sleeve having a longitudinal axis and having a sleeve length parallel to said longitudinal axis that is shorter than the minimum cord length of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff, and said elongate sleeve further having first and second ends and a midsection between said first and second ends, said first and second ends being at opposite ends of said longitudinal axis, and said first end being open to allow a compressed loofah puff to pass into and out of said elongate sleeve; a transverse wall integrally formed with said elongate sleeve at said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall being oriented generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis such that said transverse wall closes said second end of said elongate sleeve to block said loofah puff from passing into or out of said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall having a central hole therethrough for allowing free passage of a distal end of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff through said transverse wall, such that a user is able to hold said loofah puff over said open first end of said elongate sleeve in a manner such that the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff hangs through said elongate sleeve and out of the central hole of said transverse wall at said second end of said elongate sleeve, and the user can grasp said distal end of the loofah cord loop from outside said second end of said elongate sleeve to pull said loofah puff into said first end of said sleeve by pulling on the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff; and a throat of reduced cross section formed in the midsection of said elongate sleeve.

2. The portable container of claim 1, said transverse wall comprises a curvature so that said second end of said elongate sleeve is edgeless to prevent collection of fluid.

3. The portable container of claim 1, comprising the loofah puff.

4. The portable container of claim 3, the loofah puff comprising a second loop positioned opposite said loofah cord loop facilitating pulling the compressed loofah puff away from said second end of said elongate sleeve.

5. The portable container of claim 4, said second loop is secured to said loofah cord loop.

6. The portable container of claim 1, further comprising a lid sized to engage said open first end of said elongate sleeve.

7. The portable container of claim 6, said lid comprising a central hole.

8. The portable container of claim 6, said lid comprising a flange that extends upward from said lid.

9. The portable container of claim 8, said lid further comprising recess portions, and a bottom portion of said first end comprises projection portions structured and configured to engage said recess portions of said lid securing said lid to said first end.

10. The portable container of claim 7, said lid comprising a flange that extends upward from said lid.

11. The portable container of claim 10, said lid further comprising recess portions, and a bottom portion of said first end comprises projection portions structured and configured to engage said recess portions of said lid securing said lid to said first end.

12. A portable container for a loofah puff, comprising: a loofah puff having a loofah cord loop that extends at least a minimum cord length from said loofah puff, an elongate sleeve defining a storage space therein to contain said loofah puff in a compressed state, said elongate sleeve having a longitudinal axis and having a sleeve length parallel to said longitudinal axis that is shorter than the minimum cord length of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff, and said elongate sleeve further having first and second ends and a midsection between said first and second ends, said first and second ends being at opposite ends of said longitudinal axis, and said first end being open to allow a compressed loofah puff to pass into and out of said elongate sleeve; a transverse wall integrally formed with said elongate sleeve at said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall being oriented generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis such that said transverse wall closes said second end of said elongate sleeve to block said loofah puff from passing into or out of said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall having a central hole therethrough for allowing free passage of a distal end of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff through said transverse wall, such that a user is able to pull said loofah puff into said first end of said sleeve by pulling on the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff; and a throat of reduced cross section formed in the midsection of said elongate sleeve.

13. The portable container for a loofah puff of claim 12, said transverse wall comprising a curvature so that said second end of said elongate sleeve is edgeless to prevent collection of fluid.

14. The portable container for a loofah puff of claim 13 further comprising a lid sized to fit over said open first end of said elongate sleeve.

15. The portable container for a loofah puff of claim 14, said lid comprising a central hole.

16. The portable container for a loofah puff of claim 12, said loofah puff comprising a second loop positioned opposite said loofah cord loop facilitating pulling the compressed loofah puff away from said second end of said elongate sleeve.

17. The portable container for a loofah puff of claim 16, said second loop being secured to said loofah cord loop.

18. A portable container for a loofah puff having a loofah cord loop that extends at least a minimum cord length from said loofah puff comprising: an elongate sleeve defining a storage space therein to contain said loofah puff in a compressed state, said elongate sleeve having a longitudinal axis and having a sleeve length parallel to said longitudinal axis that is shorter than the minimum cord length of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff, and said elongate sleeve further having first and second ends and a midsection between said first and second ends, said first and second ends being at opposite ends of said longitudinal axis, and said first end being open to allow a compressed loofah puff to pass into and out of said elongate sleeve; a transverse wall integrally formed with said elongate sleeve at said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall being oriented generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis such that said transverse wall closes said second end of said elongate sleeve to block said loofah puff from passing into or out of said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall having a central hole therethrough for allowing free passage of a distal end of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff through said transverse wall, such that a user is able to pull said loofah puff into said first end of said sleeve by pulling on the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff.

19. A portable container for containing a compressible item having a hanging line attached thereto, said portable container comprising: a sleeve comprising a first end and a second end, said first end comprising a first opening and said second end comprising a second opening; said first opening is larger than said second opening such that the compressible item can pass through said first opening but cannot pass through said second opening; and said sleeve is configured to compress the compressible item having a hanging line as the hanging line is pulled through said second opening to force the compressible item through said first opening and into said sleeve to store the compressible item in a compressed state within the sleeve.

20. The portable container of claim 19 further comprising a lid to engage the first opening and to close said first end so that the compressible item cannot pass through said first end with said lid engaged to said first end.

21. The portable container of claim 20 said lid comprising a third opening.

22. The portable container of claim 19 further comprising the compressible item.

23. The portable container of claim 22 said compressible item comprising a pulling line positioned opposite said hanging line.

24. A method of storing a loofah puff comprising the steps of: providing a loofah puff having a loofah cord loop that extends at least a minimum cord length from said loofah puff and a second loop positioned opposite said loofah cord loop and a portable container for a loofah puff; said portable container for a loofah puff comprising an elongate sleeve defining a storage space therein to contain a loofah puff in a compressed state, said elongate sleeve having a longitudinal axis and having a sleeve length parallel to said longitudinal axis that is shorter than the minimum cord length of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff, and said elongate sleeve further having first and second ends and a midsection between said first and second ends, said first and second ends being at opposite ends of said longitudinal axis, and said first end being open to allow a compressed loofah puff to pass into and out of said elongate sleeve; and a transverse wall integrally formed with said elongate sleeve at said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall being oriented generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis such that said transverse wall closes said second end of said elongate sleeve to block said loofah puff from passing into or out of said second end of said elongate sleeve, said transverse wall having a central hole therethrough for allowing free passage of a distal end of the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff through said transverse wall, such that a user is able to pull said loofah puff into said first end of said sleeve by pulling on the loofah cord loop of said loofah puff; pulling the loofah cord loop through said central hole of said second end until the loofah puff is inside the elongate sleeve to store the loofah puff; and storing the container containing the loofah puff.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step removing the loofah puff from the portable container for a loofah puff by pulling on said second loop of said loofah puff.

26. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of providing a lid to cap said first end of said portable container for a loofah puff and capping said first end with the lid prior to the step of storing the container containing the loofah puff.