Soap holding apparatus with absorbent features

Abstract

Apparatuses for holding soap bars for access by a user. The soap holders have features that lessen the mess common to conventional soap holding at a sink or other usage location. Features shown include absorbent materials for absorbing the soap drippings. The assemblies may preferably have locking features between a grate and dish shell. The assemblies capture and allow disposal or further use of soap drippings which collect in the absorbent material.

1 . An apparatus for holding soap bars in position for use, comprising:
 at least one dish having a receptacle therein;   at least one piece of absorbent material positioned within the receptacle;   at least one grate which is positioned above an upper surface of the at least one piece of absorbent material;   whereby a bar of soap can be positioned on the grate to dry and the at least one piece of absorbent material absorbs soap drippings.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one grate is in direct contact with the at least one piece of absorbent material. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one dish has a bottom cavity open to the surface below allowing storage of a sponge or other cleaning utensil there within. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one dish has a locking feature to secure the at least one grate thereto. 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one dish has a detachable snap-in locking feature to secure the at least one grate thereto. 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one dish has at least one ledge to detachably support the at least one grate thereupon. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one grate is molded into the at least one dish. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one grate is molded into the at least one dish and the absorbent material is injected into the space below the at least one grate. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one dish is a thin plastic shell. 
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one dish is a thin plastic shell and the at least one piece of absorbent material has air cavities to aid in the drying process.