Patent Application
20190350429
This invention relates to kitchen cleaning sponges for manually cleaning all types of kitchen items like pots/pans, cups/glasses, utensils (forks, knives, spatulas and spoons), preparation surfaces (counters, tables, etc.) as well as any relevant equipment or apparatus (stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.)
It is very common for people (consumers) to use kitchenware and drinkware (glasses/cups, pots/pans, forks/spoons/knives and various other types of utensils) as well as equipment and countertop surfaces to regularly prepare and consume food and beverages. After such preparation and consumption it is a routine task to clean the utensils in order to store and/or re-use as needed. The act of cleaning these various items is collectively referred to as “washing dishes”. It is also common to likewise wipe and clean relevant preparation surfaces like counters and tables as well as various equipment and fixtures.
Consumers normally rely on simple cleaning devices like towels/rags, sponges, scrubbers, scouring pads and other types of individual items which are common in the marketplace to clean these items.
Typically, the cleaning devices are distinct depending on the type of item you are cleaning. For example; glasses and cups are usually cleaned with dish towels or special apparatuses which have an elongated handle and some type of sponge or sponge like device on the end to enable the consumer to insert in glass/cup to reach the debris inside of the glass/cup. Separately, there are towels or sponges which are used to clean plates, pots/pans, knives/forks/spoons and other utensils as well as preparation surfaces and equipment. Further, there is often yet another separate abrasive type item used when extensive scrubbing or scouring of a particular item is needed (for example grimy pots, plates, pans, preparation surfaces or equipment with residual food or liquid firmly attached or embedded on the surface of a given item).
While the above products and methods are reasonably helpful to consumers, they can be tedious and problematic having to reach for multiple different types of cleaning devices while cleaning, depending on the particular item that is being cleaned as well as not significantly conforming to the specific contours of same. It can also be relatively expensive having to purchase multiple types of devices specifically for cleaning the various items.
Consequently, a single combined sponge and utilization method which is simple, convenient, efficient to use for cleaning relatively all the various items would be very beneficial and less expensive for dish washing consumers. Moreover, a sponge that is transformable to specifically address the cleaning requirements of each specific item would be better.
The invention herein disclosed comprises a single, simple, compact, efficient, inexpensive and convenient manual sponge and method to effectively transform to clean all the various kitchen items. It will eliminate the need to purchase and reach for and use multiple unique apparatuses depending on the type of item to be cleaned. It will also better conform to the contours of same.
Sponge
The invention sponge 2 is graphically illustrated in
It is preferred (but not absolutely required) that the sponge 2 is cylindrical with matching ends (top and bottom) 4&6. It is preferred (but not absolutely required) that the cylinder is an octagonal shape having eight equal sides.
The outside circular dimension of the sponge 2 is of a predefined diameter which is small enough to effectively slide/slip within the interior surface of a glass/cup 12 or the like. Yet, the dimension is large enough to ensure the outside surface of the sponge 2 will effectively create agitation or friction to clean the surface of said cup or glass 12.
The length of the sponge 2 is of a predefined dimension which is long enough to effectively slip/slide into said glasses/cups 12 so the sponge 2 end will reach the bottom interior surface said glasses/cups 12. Yet, said predefined dimension is short enough to be effectively manipulated by hand 10 for cleaning.
An outside dimension of 68 millimeters and a length of 127 millimeters has proven to be effective dimensions (but not absolutely required).
It is preferred that the sponge has multiple slits 4&6 cut continuously through (top to bottom) to enable utensils 14 like forks, spoons, knives and spatulas or the like to be forcibly slipped therein or through to enable effective cleaning of the same. A quantity of eight evenly spaced slits 4&6 perpendicular to and strategically spaced from the intersecting corners of said eight equal sides has proven to be effective (but not absolutely required). It is preferred that both of the ends (top & bottom) 4&6 of the sponge 2 are finished with a substantial scouring or agitating material 18 operatively adhered to allow for effective deeper scrubbing of residual materials from items/surfaces to be cleaned 12,14,16 &18. Such a scouring material 8 is common and readily available in the industry. The above fabrication assembly/design would enable the sponge 2 to be manufactured more efficiently with a single die-cut. It should be noted that it is possible that die-cutting might affect the elongated tubular shape to be slightly askew which does not prevent the sponge 2 from functioning as required.
It is also preferred that the formed sponge 2 is made of a soft and flexible open-cell urethane or foam material which allows for substantial absorption of fluids as well as enables effective agitation of relevant surfaces when the sponge is forcibly rubbed or scrubbed against those surfaces 12,14,16 &18 in order to effectively clean the same.
The material formulation can also be antibacterial and/or antimicrobial which is a common option within the industry.
Method
The method is graphically indicated in
Alternatively, the glass/cup 12 can be forcibly turned around the sponge 2 instead to enable the same results. Any excessive residue, grime or grit which is settled in the bottom of the cup/glass can be abrasively removed by pushing downward on the sponge simultaneously while twisting.
The sponge 2 can be grasped firmly in a way to enable the bottom or top 4&6 scouring surface 18 to be used as a scrubber for deeper cleaning of desired surfaces (e.g., pots, pans, dishes and counters).
The sponge 2 can also be grasped firmly in a way to enable the external side surfaces to be used to wipe clean the surfaces of larger flat or curved surfaces like plates, bowls, pots and pans, counters or the like.
Sponge 2 can be significantly cleaned and sanitized for continued safe use by flipping sponge 2 completely inside out to expose interior surfaces.
A cleaning solution/soap or the like can be applied to the surface(s) of the sponge 2 (for example applied within the slit(s) 4&6 or exterior surface) to facilitate more effective cleaning of the desired item(s).
While the above description contains much specificity, they should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of the basic sponge and method thereof. Many other possible variations are obvious to individuals skilled in the sponge art.
For example:
The specific sponge design and material described can be altered and yet achieve the desired results as described.
The material can be compressed sponge (cellulose) and pop/expand into desired shape
Velcro (hook and loop) fastener(s) can be operatively connected to hang, store or compress sponge
The sponge dimensions and design can be modified to be fit multiple utensils.
The tubular shape can be designed to many various random or structured shape, yet achieve the same desired result.
The insert slits can be a singularly formed void or multiple voids rather than multiple slits.
The sponge material can be substantially anti-bacterial or anti-microbial or the like.
A clip or hanger can be formed or separately operatively attached to enable product to conveniently hang
The sponge can be designed to collapse for more efficient shipping, packaging and display space (for example).
The instructions or steps described can be performed to varying degree and/or in varying, order sequence or combination to achieve the desired end results described.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the methods described and illustrated.
