Apparatus and method for storing and reusing remnants of soap

Abstract

A soap-saving apparatus ( 10, 110 ) for storing and reusing remnants of soap is disclosed. The soap-saving apparatus ( 10, 110 ) comprises first and second surfaces ( 14, 16 ) for receiving remnants of soap, and at least one through-hole ( 18 ) connecting the first and second surfaces ( 14, 16 ). Soap remnants can be pressed on to the first and second surfaces ( 14, 16 ) and adhered to each other through the through-hole ( 18 ). A rim ( 22, 122 ) further helps to retain the soap in place, and dimples ( 20 ) on the first and second surfaces ( 14, 16 ) help to prevent the soap sliding from side to side in its early stages of adherence.

1 . An apparatus for storing and reusing remnants of soap, comprising:
 first and second surfaces for receiving remnants of soap; and   at least one through-hole connecting the first and second surfaces.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a rim along an edge of the first and/or second surfaces. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the rim has an inner surface substantially perpendicular to the first and/or second surfaces. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein an inner surface of the rim is recessed. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the rim has a convex outer surface. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and/or second surface further comprises one or more dimples and/or protrusions. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to any  claim 1 , wherein the first and second surfaces are provided by opposing surfaces of a substantially sheet-like body. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the body is substantially circular or oval. 
     
     
         9 . A method for storing and reusing remnants of soap, comprising:
 providing a body comprising at least one through-hole;   pressing at least one first remnant of soap onto a first surface of the body; and   pressing at least one second remnant of soap onto a second surface of the body, such that the first and second soap remnants adhere to each other through the through-hole.   
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 soaking the first and/or second soap remnants prior to pressing, onto the body.   
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 adhering further remnants of soap to the first and/or second remnants of soap,   
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 moulding the adhered remnants of soap so that the adhered soap remnants resemble a bar of soap.   
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein the body is an apparatus according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled)