| Cleaning apparatus -> Monitor Keywords |
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Cleaning apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Brushing, Scrubbing, And General Cleaning, Implements, Stationary Implement With Material SupplyCleaning apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050273957, Cleaning apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/578,180 filed Jun. 9, 2004, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] I. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention is directed to a cleaning apparatus. More specifically, the invention concerns an apparatus that may be used for cleaning eating utensils having a housing and a pair of opposed brushes that may be removeably disposed within the housing. [0004] II. Reference to Related Art [0005] A traditional method of washing utensils (including eating utensils such as knives, forks and spoons, or kitchen utensils such as a spatula, etc., of any size) involves scrubbing the utensil by hand with a wet and soapy brush. However, this manner of washing is inherently time intensive and may cause stress on the body. Further, a person with a physical handicap may not be capable of scrubbing a utensil (or multiple utensils) in a satisfactory manner. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a device to assist with the scouring and cleaning of utensils of various shapes and sizes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A cleaning apparatus may include a housing and a pair of brushes that are positioned on opposing interior walls of the housing such that the bristles of one brush are close to or overlay the bristles of the other brush. The base or floor of the housing has an opening that permits water to flow though the housing. Alternatively, the base may be closed and it may also optionally include a valve to allow a user to selectively drain the water from the housing. A hook may be provided on the housing for securing the housing to a secondary structure such as a sink or basin. Further, a suction cup may be provided on the housing to bias the housing against movement during use. Various means for dispensing a liquid detergent may also be provided on the housing or the brushes. [0007] In operation, a user of the apparatus will grasp a utensil and then manually reciprocate the utensil in the housing and between the bristles of the brushes to scour and clean the utensil. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Reference will now be had to the attached figures wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout and wherein: [0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention; [0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; [0011] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a cleaning apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention; [0012] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus constructed with strainer type base; [0013] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with a detergent dispensing apparatus; [0014] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the detergent dispensing apparatus is integral with a brush; and [0015] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus having a closed base and a valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaning apparatus 10 may include a housing 12 and a first 14 and second 16 brush that may be removeably disposed in the housing 12. The dimensions of the housing 12 and the brushes 14, 16, may be modified according to the needs of a user such that the apparatus 10 may accommodate a wide variety of utensils in a range of sizes and shapes. A hook 18 may be provided on the housing 12 for securing the housing 12 to a secondary structure (not shown) such as a sink or basin (not shown). A suction cup 20 may also be provided on the housing 12 proximate the hook 18 to bias the housing 12 against movement during use. [0017] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12 may be constructed as a squared or rectangular cube. However, other designs such as an circular or oval cylinder may also be used. The housing 12 may include a front wall 22, a rear wall 24, a first 26 and a second 28 sidewall and a base (or floor) 30. An end 32 of the housing 12 opposed the base 30 is open. A guide 34 may also be positioned on each sidewall 26, 28 of the housing 12. As will be described below, each guide 34 may be slidably, removably engaged by a brush 14, 16. [0018] The housing 12 may be constructed of a transparent polymer material. However, other materials (transparent or not) that include the requisite strength and rust resistance (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, Plexiglas or PVC) may also be used to construct the housing 12. [0019] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the base 30 of the housing 12 may include an opening or a plurality of openings such that water drains from housing 12. Where a plurality of openings are used it will be appreciated that the base 34 of the housing 12 functions as a strainer (see FIG. 4). Further, where the base 30 of the housing 12 is open, the base 30 may include a pair of flanges 36 that serve to prevent a brush 14, 16 from falling through the base 30. Alternatively, the base 30 may be closed. Where the base 30 is closed, a valve 38 may be positioned in or proximate the base 30 to selectively drain water from the housing 12. Continue reading about Cleaning apparatus... Full patent description for Cleaning apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Cleaning apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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