Coating implements with material supply – Supply container and independent applicator – Tool supported out of communication with supply
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-19
2001-05-15
Eloshway, Charles A. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Supply container and independent applicator
Tool supported out of communication with supply
C401S137000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231258
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for cleaning jewelry, and more particularly, to a small cleaning kit that can be carried in a pocket, purse or travel bag.
It is well known to use a jewelry cleaning fluid to clean various types of jewelry. One jewelry cleaning apparatus available to consumers includes a jar of solution, a removable tray, and a small brush. Items of jewelry are placed on the tray and submerged in cleaning fluid inside the jar. Jewelry may be either dipped or soaked, depending on the extent of foreign matter accumulated on the jewelry, brushed clean using the accompanying brush, and then rinsed in fresh water.
Although such a cleaning apparatus is suitable for home use, the size of the jar and a tendency for cleaning fluid to leak around the lid of the jar make use of the apparatus away from home less than desirable. Typically, a jar of cleaning fluid contains several ounces of fluid in a wide-mouth jar. Additionally, the lid must be opened every time it is desired to clean jewelry, which increases the likelihood of spilling cleaning fluid. In addition to possible leakage, the size of the jar generally makes it unsuitable for carrying in a pocket, purse, or other small travel bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a small, compact jewelry cleaning apparatus is provided that easily fits into a pocket or purse to allow a user to clean jewelry conveniently and thoroughly either at or away from home. The preferred apparatus includes a small container such as a bottle or cylinder containing a reservoir of cleaning fluid and a cleaning instrument, which preferably is attached to the container. The preferred apparatus further may include a magnifying lens for inspecting jewelry before and/or after cleaning. A dispensing pump preferably is provided in the container to emit either air and/or cleaning fluid. A brush may be provided as the cleaning instrument.
The preferred cleaning instrument comprises a short, narrow head and a handle extending from the head to enable the cleaning of jewelry. The cleaning instrument may be supported in a narrow channel incorporated into the sidewall of the container. A finger-engaging surface may be provided on the cleaning instrument to enable a user to slide the cleaning instrument from a retracted position, where the cleaning instrument is entirely within the channel, to an extended position, where the head is exposed and available for use. When not in use, the cleaning instrument preferably is stored in a retracted position within the narrow channel with the bristles facing inwardly so that any cleaning fluid remaining on the bristles does not damage other items being carried in the purse or pocket along with the apparatus. The magnifying lens preferably is provided as part of a cap for the apparatus to enable accessible viewing of the jewelry before and/or after cleaning.
In an alternate embodiment, the container may comprise an inner reservoir, in which the cleaning fluid is stored, and an outer sleeve, which surrounds the reservoir and which may define a space therebetween. A cleaning instrument may be secured between the container and the tube. The cleaning instrument may be slidable between a retracted position, where the cleaning instrument is entirely within the space between the reservoir and sleeve, and an extended position, where the cleaning instrument is exposed for use.
The preferred method for cleaning jewelry using the apparatus involves applying cleaning fluid contained in the container to a piece of jewelry, such as a ring, earrings, pendant, brooch, watch, or other item. A dispensing pump with an external actuator may be used with the container so that cleaning fluid and/or air may be sprayed on the jewelry. Following application of cleaning fluid, the cleaning instrument is used to remove foreign matter from the jewelry. After cleaning, the jewelry may be dried by blowing air onto the jewelry with the pump, or by use of a cloth or other means, and the jewelry then may be inspected using the magnifying lens. Any of these steps may be repeated as necessary.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a compact portable jewelry cleaning apparatus suitable for personal transport such as in a purse, pocket, or travel bag.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning jewelry with cleaning fluid using a small apparatus suitable for carrying in a purse, pocket, or travel bag.
Further objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 864676 (1907-08-01), Nagely
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patent: 4602846 (1986-07-01), Karnes
patent: 4768531 (1988-09-01), Broussard
patent: 5299876 (1994-04-01), Singarella
patent: 5558453 (1996-09-01), Bell et al.
patent: 1283930 (1972-08-01), None
Eloshway Charles A.
Fitch Even Tabin & Flannery
Kingsley & Associates, Inc.
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