Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Using solid work treating agents
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-25
2001-02-13
Till, Terrence R. (Department: 1744)
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Using solid work treating agents
C015S160000, C015S106000, C015S246000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06187104
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This application relates to cleaning implements, and more particularly to cleaning brushes and the like that are suitable for cleaning receptacles such as ashtrays, as well as to mounted cleaning implements which can be readily washed in dishwashers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bartenders and other wait-staff can be highly pressed for time. They typically must respond to orders from rushed wait staff and/or customers while at the same time keeping their work areas stocked and cleaned. To this end, bartenders and other wait-staff frequently use stacks of cocktail napkins to quickly clean ashtrays at the bar. These napkins represent an expense to the establishment, need to be restocked, and increase the amount of waste that the establishment generates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one general aspect, the invention features a cleaning implement that includes a mount and a wiping element connected to the mount. The wiping element includes a handle, and a wiping section with first and second ends. The first end of the wiping section is connected to the handle, and the first and second ends are separated by at least about one inch. The wiping section has a working surface that has a maximum dimension of less than about six inches.
In preferred embodiments, the cleaning implement can include a tether connected between the mount and the wiping element to connect the mount and the wiping element. The tether can be extensible, such as from a length of less than about six inches to a length of more than about twelve inches. The handle can be made of injection-molded plastic, with the wiping section including bristles, and with the bristles connected to the handle by embedding them in the handle. The wiping section can be made of a machine-washable material. A detachable coupling can be provided between the mount and the wiping section. The first and second ends can be separated by at least about two inches or even about three inches. The wiping section can be reversibly bendable by at least 60, 90, or even 135 degrees. An advertising area can be located on the implement. The mount can be a magnet connected to the handle. The mount can be a clip connected relative to the handle. The working surface of the wiping section can be about two inches wide or less.
In another general aspect, the invention features a cleaning implement that includes a mount and a wiping element. The wiping element includes a handle, and a wiping section made of a machine-washable material. A detachable coupling is provided between the mount and the wiping section.
In preferred embodiments, the wiping section can be resistant to water, detergents, and temperatures above about 140 degrees F. The cleaning implement can include a tether connected between the mount and the wiping element to connect the mount and the wiping element. The tether can be extensible. The handle can be made of injection-molded plastic, with the wiping section including bristles, and with the bristles connected to the handle by embedding them in the handle. The handle can be made of wood treated with a water-proof coating. An advertising area can be located on the implement. The mount can be a magnet connected to the handle.
In a further general aspect, the invention features a cleaning implement for cleaning ashtrays that includes wiping element means that includes means for holding the wiping element with one hand, and means for wiping an ashtray connected to the means for holding. The cleaning implement also includes means for attaching the wiping element to a refuse container. In preferred embodiments, the means for wiping can be machine-washable, and the cleaning implement can further include means for detachably attaching the wiping element means to the refuse container.
In another general aspect, the invention features a method of cleaning ashtrays that includes providing a wiping implement, mounting the wiping implement on a fixed surface in an establishment where smokers engage in smoking, and using the wiping element to wipe ashtrays used by the smokers.
In preferred embodiments, the method can further include the step of washing the wiping element in a dishwasher. The method can further include the step of providing a mounting element attached to the wiping element, with the step of mounting the wiping element employing the mounting element to mount the wiping element. The method can further include the step of detaching the wiping element from the mounting element. The method can further include the step of washing the wiping element in a dishwasher. The step of mounting can include clipping the wiping element to a refuse barrel. The step of providing can provide an advertising area on the wiping implement that supports advertising content.
Brushes according to the invention can be advantageous in that they can allow bartenders to quickly and efficiently clean ashtrays. Because the bartenders and others charged with cleaning such receptacles have a cleaning implement close at hand and easily storable, they can quickly clean one or more ashtrays during a few-second period between other tasks. This can be done without cocktail napkins, which have to be paid for, disposed of, and then restocked. Brushes according to the invention may also be advantageous in that they can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3905610 (1975-09-01), Dini
patent: 4361934 (1982-12-01), Darnell
patent: 4765037 (1988-08-01), Perry
patent: 5230117 (1993-07-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 5555589 (1996-09-01), Moultrie
patent: 5615454 (1997-04-01), Contarino
patent: 5722125 (1998-03-01), Vasilopoulos
patent: 5815873 (1998-10-01), Jones
patent: 5884371 (1999-03-01), Huggins
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo P.C.
Till Terrence R.
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