US20160150918A1 - Support Device - Google Patents
Support Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160150918A1 US20160150918A1 US15/016,268 US201615016268A US2016150918A1 US 20160150918 A1 US20160150918 A1 US 20160150918A1 US 201615016268 A US201615016268 A US 201615016268A US 2016150918 A1 US2016150918 A1 US 2016150918A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- article
- sink
- support
- base
- shoe assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/16—Stands, or holders for kitchen articles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L17/00—Apparatus or implements used in manual washing or cleaning of crockery, table-ware, cooking-ware or the like
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
- F16M13/022—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle repositionable
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a support for an article for use with the support interfacing with multiple base components. More specifically, the present invention is a support device that removably engages a self contained cleaning utensil wherein the support device directs fluid seepage from the cleaning utensil to a selected area in relation to the base component.
- Cleaning utensils are constantly becoming more numerous and varied over time in performing more specialized functions leading to a plethora of these handheld utensils being randomly placed throughout the kitchen countertop area adding to clutter and potentially a soap scum and water/grease stains on the countertop requiring cleaning.
- a self contained scrubbing brush and scouring pad wherein a reservoir is disposed within an integral handle that contains a dishwashing liquid, thus eliminating the need for the separate application of dishwashing liquid, resulting in faster, easier, and more convenient dish, glass, and cooking utensil washing as the dishwashing liquid automatically dispenses to the sponge/brush/pad.
- this self contained scrubbing brush and scouring pad again is usually placed upon the countertop, or in the sink, or adjacent to the sink edge and with this self contained scrubbing brush and scouring pad not having any sophisticated valves or shutoffs to prevent the seepage or wicking of the dishwashing fluid from the scrub brush or scouring pad portion thereby resulting in a gooey mess of oozed out dishwashing liquid, that also typically semi solidifies into almost a paste type substance when exposed to the atmosphere.
- a sticky gooey mess to clean up from the surface that is adjacent to the scrub brush or scouring pad, not to mention the waste of dishwashing liquid.
- an ideal solution to this problem would be to support the scrub brush or scouring pad portion above the reservoir to help prevent the seepage or wicking of the dishwashing fluid from the scrub brush or scouring pad portion, and to have or provide flow channels for the dishwashing liquid seepage that does occur being the residual dishwashing liquid from the scrub brush or scouring pad portion to drain to a specific location to make clean up on the seeped dishwashing liquid easier.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,604 to Stillman disclosed is a tray for supporting a cleaning utensil that has a holder for supporting a cleaning utensil that includes a support platform that is designed to support and retain a portion of a cleaning utensil, the holder also has a drainage conductor near a front edge of the support platform.
- the portion of the cleaning utensil is retained via a continuous retention ridge protrusion adjacent to a drainage channel, wherein a suction cup is for attaching the holder to a countertop or sink lip.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,200 to Stillman which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,604 also to Stillman, the '200 patent discloses a holder for supporting a cleaning utensil that includes a support platform that is designed to support and retain a portion of a cleaning utensil, the holder also has a drainage conductor near a front edge of the support platform.
- the portion of the cleaning utensil is retained via a continuous retention ridge protrusion adjacent to a drainage channel, wherein a suction cup is optional for attaching the holder to a countertop or sink lip.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,580 to Hawkins disclosed is a bracket that straddles the upper edges of an open paint can to form a bridge across the open paint can top that facilitates a clip type hanger disposed at a mid point in the bracket to suspend a paintbrush over the open can of paint such that brush paint drips fall back into the can, see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 .
- the bracket can also be used to secure the paint can lid closed as shown in FIG. 6 .
- What is needed is a low cost, compact, and easy to install article support device that supports an article in the form of a cleaning utensil with a self contained cleaning sponge/scouring pad with a dishwashing detergent dispensing reservoir, wherein the article is supported in an upright manner to minimize seepage of the dishwashing detergent from the sponge/pad resulting in waste of the dishwashing detergent and the resultant gooey mess of seeped dishwashing detergent, and if seepage does occur, it is directed to an appropriate area.
- the present invention is a support device for an article that is adjacent to a sink margin, the support device including a first arcuate flexible finger having a longitudinal axis, with the first finger having a proximal end portion and an opposing distal end portion. Further included is a second arcuate flexible finger having a lengthwise axis, with the second finger having a proximal end portion and an opposing distal end portion. Also, a shoulder element that is sized and configured to cradle the article in an upright position, the shoulder element is disposed in an attached manner therebetween the first proximal end portion and the second proximal end portion. Wherein the first flexible finger, the shoulder element, and the second flexible finger approximately form an inverted “U” shape that frictionally straddles the sink margin. Wherein operationally, the support device cradles the article in the upright position adjacent to the sink margin.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the support device that includes the first arcuate flexible finger, its longitudinal axis, the first finger proximal end portion, the first finger distal end portion, the second arcuate flexible finger, its lengthwise axis, the second finger proximal end portion, the second finger distal end portion, the shoulder element, the cradle segment, and the inverted “U” shape;
- FIG. 2 shows a use perspective view of the support device straddling the margin of the sink, with the cradle segment, the shoulder element, the first arcuate flexible finger, and the second flexible finger;
- FIG. 3 shows a use perspective view of the support device straddling the margin of the sink, with the cradle segment, the shoulder element, the first arcuate flexible finger, and the second flexible finger, wherein the cradle segment is supporting the article in an upright position, with the article in the form of a cleaning utensil being the self-contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein;
- FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the base portion of the shoe assembly including the extension of the base, and the depression of the base;
- FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the shoe assembly with the base portion, the extension of the base, the depression of the base, the cup, the bottom of the cup, the opposing lip of the cup, the cup bottom being accommodated in the base, the flexible clip, the inward portion of the flexible clip, the opposing outward portion of the flexible clip, the cradle portion of the clip, and the base upon the surface;
- FIG. 6 shows a perspective use view of the shoe assembly with the base portion, the extension of the base, the depression of the base, the cup, the bottom of the cup, the opposing lip of the cup, the cup bottom being accommodated in the base, the flexible clip, the inward portion of the flexible clip, the opposing outward portion of the flexible clip, the cradle portion of the clip, and the base upon the surface, wherein the article is in the form of a cleaning utensil being self contained cleaning sponge having therein disposed dishwashing detergent, wherein the depression is receiving a portion of the article and the flexible clip cradling the opposing portion of the article;
- FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, and the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib;
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective use view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, and the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, wherein the basin and extension are substantially conforming to the sink margin of the sink, the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib, the directing of the liquids to the sink, with the ridge retainably suspending a portion of the article over the basin, wherein the article is in the form of a cleaning utensil being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein;
- FIG. 9 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device in relation to FIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion, the raised rib, the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib;
- FIG. 10 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device in relation to FIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion, the raised rib, and the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib in addition to the sponge support mounted on the raised rib;
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, and the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, plus the substantial conforming to the sink margin of the sink for the basin and the extension, further the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib and the sponge support are shown;
- FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, the substantial conforming to the sink margin of the sink for the basin and the extension, the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib and the sponge support, the directing of the liquids to the sink, with the ridge retainably suspending a portion of the article over the basin, wherein the article is in the form of a cleaning utensil being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein, also the sponge support holding a sponge;
- FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the sponge support that is removably engagable to the opposing lip of the cup, with the cup, and cup bottom shown also;
- FIG. 14 shows a perspective use view of the sponge on the sponge support that is removably engagable to the opposing lip of the cup, with the cup, and the cup bottom shown also.
- FIG. 1 shown is the perspective view of the support device 50 that includes the first arcuate flexible finger 80 , its longitudinal axis 85 , the first finger 80 proximal end portion 90 , the first finger 80 distal end portion 95 , the second arcuate flexible finger 100 , its lengthwise axis 105 , the second finger 100 proximal end portion 110 , the second finger 100 distal end portion 115 , the shoulder element 120 , the cradle segment 125 , and the inverted “U” shape 130 .
- FIG. 2 shows a use perspective view of the support device 50 straddling the margin 75 of the sink 70 , with the cradle segment 125 , the shoulder element 120 , the first arcuate flexible finger 80 , and the second flexible finger 100 .
- FIG. 3 shows a use perspective view of the support device 50 straddling the margin 75 of the sink 70 , with the cradle segment 125 , the shoulder element 120 , the first arcuate flexible finger 80 , and the second flexible finger 100 , wherein the cradle segment 125 is supporting the article 55 is in an upright position 60 , with the article 55 in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent.
- FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the base portion 165 of the shoe assembly 140 including the extension 175 of the base 165 , and the depression 180 of the base 165 .
- FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the shoe assembly 140 with the base portion 165 , the extension 175 of the base 165 , the depression 180 of the base 165 , the cup 145 , the bottom 150 of the cup 145 , the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , the cup 145 bottom 150 being accommodated 170 in the base 165 , the flexible clip 190 , the inward portion 200 of the flexible clip 190 , the opposing outward portion 205 of the flexible clip 190 , the cradle portion 210 of the clip 190 , and the base 165 upon the surface 160 .
- FIG. 6 shows a perspective use view of the shoe assembly 140 with the base portion 165 , the extension 175 of the base 165 , the depression 180 of the base 165 , the cup 145 , the bottom 150 of the cup 145 , the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , the cup 145 bottom 150 being accommodated 170 in the base 165 , the flexible clip 190 , the inward portion 200 of the flexible clip 190 , the opposing outward portion 205 of the flexible clip 190 , the cradle portion 210 of the clip 190 , and the base 165 upon the surface 160 . Also in FIG.
- the article 55 is in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein, wherein the depression 180 is receiving 185 a portion of the article 55 and the flexible clip 190 cradling 210 the opposing portion of the article 55 .
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective use view of the platform device 220 with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , wherein the basin 225 and extension 245 are substantially conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 .
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective use view of the platform device 220 with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , wherein the basin 225 and extension 245 are substantially conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 .
- the bi-modal shaped ridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , the directing 275 of the liquids to the sink 70 , with the ridge 260 retainably suspending 270 a portion of the article 55 over the basin 225 , wherein the article 55 is in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein.
- FIG. 9 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device 220 in relation to FIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion 230 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 .
- FIG. 10 also shows the inverted perspective view of the platform device 220 in relation to FIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion 230 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 in addition to the sponge support 280 mounted on the raised rib 240 .
- FIG. 10 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device 220 in relation to FIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion 230 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 in addition to the sponge support 280 mounted on the raised rib 240 .
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the platform device 220 , with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , the substantial conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 for the basin 225 and the extension 245 , the bi-modal shaped ridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , and the sponge support 280 .
- FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the platform device 220 with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly opposite 250 of the raised rib 240 , the substantial conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 for the basin 225 and the extension 245 . Further, in FIG. 12
- FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the sponge support 280 that is removably engagable to the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , with the cup 145 , and cup 145 bottom 150 shown also.
- FIG. 14 shows a perspective use view of the sponge 66 on the sponge support 280 that is removably engagable to the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , with the cup 145 , and cup 145 bottom 150 shown also.
- the present invention is for the support device 50 for an article 55 that is adjacent to a sink 70 margin 75 , with the support device 50 including the first arcuate flexible finger 80 having the longitudinal axis 85 , the first finger 80 having a proximal end portion 90 and an opposing distal end portion 95 and the second arcuate flexible finger 100 having a lengthwise axis 105 , the second finger 100 having a proximal end portion 110 and an opposing distal end portion 115 .
- the shoulder element 120 that is sized and configured to cradle 125 the article 55 in an upright position 60 , the shoulder element 120 is disposed in an attached manner therebetween the first proximal end portion 90 and the second proximal end portion 110 .
- the first flexible finger 80 , the shoulder element 120 , and the second flexible finger 100 approximately form an inverted “U” symmetrical shape 130 that frictionally straddles 135 the sink 70 margin 75 , wherein operationally the support device 50 cradles the article 55 in the upright position 60 adjacent to the sink 70 margin 75 .
- the article 55 can be supported in either one of two opposing positions with the article 55 adjacent to the shoulder element 120 and the first arcuate flexible finger 80 or the article 55 adjacent to the shoulder element 120 and the second arcuate flexible finger 100 .
- the shoulder element 120 can further comprise a cradle segment 125 that has a continuously curving concave surface to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 in an open environment 285 , see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 .
- the cradle segment 125 can also extend for a full width of the shoulder element 120 in an arcuate axis 126 that is perpendicular 127 to the longitudinal 85 and lengthwise 105 axes to facilitate article 55 drainage or seepage 57 in the open environment 285 , again see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 .
- the article 55 as shown in FIGS.
- a cleaning utensil 65 being the self-contained cleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in a reservoir 62 in the cleaning utensil 65 handle 62 , with the cleaning utensil 65 being supported by the support device 50 in the open environment 285 , with the open environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaning utensil 65 for seepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the sink 70 without the need of a drainage channel in the support device 50 , as best shown in FIG. 3 .
- the first 80 and second 100 arcuate flexible fingers preferably depend downwardly from the shoulder element 120 in a continuous arc from the first 90 and second 110 proximal end portions to the first 95 and second 115 distal end portions along the longitudinal 85 and lengthwise 105 axes respectively to conform to the sink margin 75 and sink walls 71 on each opposing side of the sink margin 75 , as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the first 95 and second 115 distal end portions can further comprise a first curved extension 96 and a respective second curved extension 116 to further support the article 55 or as preferably shown the reservoir handle 62 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- first 96 and second 115 curved extensions can form respective first 97 and second 117 concave channels that are each coincident to the continuously curving concave surface of the cradle segment 125 , see FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the shoe assembly 140 utilizes a cup 145 with a bottom 150 , and the opposing lip 155 , for upright support 60 of an article 55 upon a surface 160 , in the open environment 285 with the shoe assembly 140 including a base 165 , wherein the base 165 sized and configured to accommodate 170 the cup 145 bottom 150 and include an extension 175 with a depression 180 disposed therein to receive 185 a portion of the article 55 .
- the flexible clip 190 having an inward portion 200 that is disposed upon the lip 155 , the clip 190 having an opposing outward portion 205 with a cradle portion 210 disposed opposite of the lip 155 , wherein operationally the cradle portion 210 retainably suspends 215 an opposing portion of the article 55 over the lip 155 facing the bottom 150 in the open environment 285 .
- the cradle portion 210 preferably has a continuously curving concave surface 212 to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 in an open environment 285 , see FIGS. 5 and 6 or detail. Also the article 55 , as shown in FIG.
- a cleaning utensil 65 being the self-contained cleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in a reservoir 62 in the cleaning utensil 65 handle 62 , with the cleaning utensil 65 being supported by the shoe assembly 140 in the open environment 285 , with the open environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaning utensil 65 for seepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the cup 145 and depression 180 without the need of a drainage channel in the shoe assembly 140 , as best shown in FIG. 6 .
- the cradle portion 210 can extend for a full width of the flexible clip 190 along a curved axis 211 to further support the article 55 over the lip 155 facing the bottom 150 in the open environment 285 , as best shown in FIG. 5 .
- the base can further comprise a peripheral ridge 176 that forms a part of the base depression 180 ; see FIG. 4 , wherein the peripheral ridge helps to retain the article 55 seepage 57 , as best shown in FIG. 6 .
- the base 165 can further comprise a receiving slot 181 forming a portion of the base depression 180 , see FIG.
- the receiving slot 181 is operational to receive a portion of the article 55 , namely the reservoir handle 62 , to facilitate retaining different length 56 articles 55 , as best shown in FIG. 6 .
- the base 165 can further comprise a receptacle 177 formed from an interface as between the receiving slot 181 and the peripheral ridge 176 , as best shown in FIG. 4 , wherein the receptacle 177 adds volume to the depression 180 for receiving a portion of the seepage 57 from the article 55 , see FIG. 6 .
- the shoe assembly 140 can further comprise a sponge support 280 that includes a support lip 281 interface that is removably engagable to the cup lip 155 , being operational to support a sponge 66 in addition to the article 55 , as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- the platform device 220 is for the article 55 that is adjacent to a sink 70 with a sink margin 75 , the platform device includes the retention basin 225 including the peripheral portion 230 and the spillway margin 235 , with the retention basin 225 having a raised rib 240 adjacent to the peripheral portion 230 . Further, in the platform device 220 is the extension 245 that is affixed to the spillway margin 235 , the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , wherein the basin 225 and the extension 245 substantially conform 255 to the sink 70 margin 75 .
- the platform device 220 included is the bi-modal shaped ridge 260 affixed to a portion of the spillway margin 235 , with the bimodal ridge 260 projecting parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , wherein operationally the ridge 260 retainably suspends 270 a portion of the article 55 over the basin 225 that directs article 55 liquids 275 and seepage 57 to the sink 70 .
- the bi-modal shaped ridge 260 can have a continuously curving concave surface 261 to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 to be elevated above a floor 226 of the retention basin 225 to operationally facilitate the article 55 seepage 57 throughout an entire area of the floor 226 , as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 12 .
- the bi-modal shaped ridge 260 can extend to at least as high 262 as the raised rib 240 to further ensure to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 to be elevated above the floor 226 of the retention basin 225 to operationally facilitate the article 55 seepage 57 throughout an entire area of the floor 226 , see FIGS. 7, 8, and 12 .
- the article 55 can be in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being the self-contained cleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in a reservoir 62 in the cleaning utensil 65 handle 62 , with the cleaning utensil 65 being supported by the platform device 220 in the open environment 285 , with the open environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaning utensil 65 for seepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the entire area of the floor 226 of the retention basin 225 , via the sponge 61 being elevated above the floor 226 , i.e.
- the peripheral portion 230 can further comprise an outer peripheral notch 231 , as shown in FIG. 9 or an inner peripheral notch 232 , see FIG. 7 for receiving a sponge support 280 , as best shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 .
- the notch 231 is oppositely positioned from the bi-modal shaped ridge 260 on the retention basin 225 to operationally facilitate the platform device 220 to support the article 55 and a sponge 66 simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the sponge support 280 can further comprise a centrally located drain aperture 282 as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the extension 245 further comprises a reverse angled end portion 251 to minimize capillary action of the article seepage 57 toward the area identified as substantially conforming 255 to the sink margin, preferably the reverse angled end portion 251 has an angle of about ten to fifteen degrees as related to the sink margin 75 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed are support devices for an article that is adjacent to a sink margin, the support devices provide a storage solution for the article and hold the article in an upright position, thereby helping to prevent seepage and loss of soap fluids from the article and also directs sponge drainage either into a sink or a container. The devices work on either single of double bowl sinks, and on either under-mounted or drop-in sinks, or can be positioned adjacent to a sink on the countertop. The devices are easily movable, can be placed in multiple locations, can be easily cleaned and function without the need for suction cups or other attachments. When the article is being used, the devices are out of the way resulting in minimal conflict with the use and activity around the sink, thereby allowing maximum unimpeded use of the sink area.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/959,276 filed on Aug. 5, 2013, by Donald Allan Brinkmann of Golden, Colo., US, as inventor that claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/679,795 filed on Aug. 6, 2012 by Donald Allan Brinkmann of Golden, Colo., U.S. as inventor.
- The present invention relates generally to a support for an article for use with the support interfacing with multiple base components. More specifically, the present invention is a support device that removably engages a self contained cleaning utensil wherein the support device directs fluid seepage from the cleaning utensil to a selected area in relation to the base component.
- Cleaning utensils are constantly becoming more numerous and varied over time in performing more specialized functions leading to a plethora of these handheld utensils being randomly placed throughout the kitchen countertop area adding to clutter and potentially a soap scum and water/grease stains on the countertop requiring cleaning. As a more modern development in particular related to scrubbers for dishes, glasses, and cooking utensils, is a self contained scrubbing brush and scouring pad, wherein a reservoir is disposed within an integral handle that contains a dishwashing liquid, thus eliminating the need for the separate application of dishwashing liquid, resulting in faster, easier, and more convenient dish, glass, and cooking utensil washing as the dishwashing liquid automatically dispenses to the sponge/brush/pad.
- However, this self contained scrubbing brush and scouring pad again is usually placed upon the countertop, or in the sink, or adjacent to the sink edge and with this self contained scrubbing brush and scouring pad not having any sophisticated valves or shutoffs to prevent the seepage or wicking of the dishwashing fluid from the scrub brush or scouring pad portion thereby resulting in a gooey mess of oozed out dishwashing liquid, that also typically semi solidifies into almost a paste type substance when exposed to the atmosphere. Thus leaving a sticky gooey mess to clean up from the surface that is adjacent to the scrub brush or scouring pad, not to mention the waste of dishwashing liquid.
- Wherein an ideal solution to this problem would be to support the scrub brush or scouring pad portion above the reservoir to help prevent the seepage or wicking of the dishwashing fluid from the scrub brush or scouring pad portion, and to have or provide flow channels for the dishwashing liquid seepage that does occur being the residual dishwashing liquid from the scrub brush or scouring pad portion to drain to a specific location to make clean up on the seeped dishwashing liquid easier.
- Looking at the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,604 to Stillman, disclosed is a tray for supporting a cleaning utensil that has a holder for supporting a cleaning utensil that includes a support platform that is designed to support and retain a portion of a cleaning utensil, the holder also has a drainage conductor near a front edge of the support platform. In Stillman, the portion of the cleaning utensil is retained via a continuous retention ridge protrusion adjacent to a drainage channel, wherein a suction cup is for attaching the holder to a countertop or sink lip.
- Continuing in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,200 to Stillman which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,604 also to Stillman, the '200 patent discloses a holder for supporting a cleaning utensil that includes a support platform that is designed to support and retain a portion of a cleaning utensil, the holder also has a drainage conductor near a front edge of the support platform. In Stillman, the portion of the cleaning utensil is retained via a continuous retention ridge protrusion adjacent to a drainage channel, wherein a suction cup is optional for attaching the holder to a countertop or sink lip.
- Further in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,382 to Hull et al., disclosed is a combination lotion applicator and support stand, wherein the desire is to have the sponge portion slightly lower than the lotion reservoir that is disposed within the handle with the goal being to keep the sponge wetted with the lotion, which the support stand facilitates, see
FIGS. 1 and 2 . Also in Hull, the lotion applicator and stand are a matched set sold in combination, noting that a cover 20 is always used in conjunction with the sponge, thus to preclude external seepage of the lotion from the sponge due to the handle causing the lotion to gravity flow into the sponge. - Also, in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,955 to Studer et al., disclosed is a paintbrush caddy that clips upon the edge of a paint tray while providing an inclined drainage platform for the paintbrush to reside against, thus allowing residual paint to drip back into the tray while retaining the brush via
drain apertures 66, seeFIGS. 2, 3, and 4 . Studer also uses a spring loaded clamping means that is utilized to provide a removably engagable attachment to the tray edge while keeping the drainage platform at an angle to accommodate the paint drainage back into the tray. - Continuing, in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,580 to Hawkins disclosed is a bracket that straddles the upper edges of an open paint can to form a bridge across the open paint can top that facilitates a clip type hanger disposed at a mid point in the bracket to suspend a paintbrush over the open can of paint such that brush paint drips fall back into the can, see
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 . In Hawkins, the bracket can also be used to secure the paint can lid closed as shown inFIG. 6 . - What is needed is a low cost, compact, and easy to install article support device that supports an article in the form of a cleaning utensil with a self contained cleaning sponge/scouring pad with a dishwashing detergent dispensing reservoir, wherein the article is supported in an upright manner to minimize seepage of the dishwashing detergent from the sponge/pad resulting in waste of the dishwashing detergent and the resultant gooey mess of seeped dishwashing detergent, and if seepage does occur, it is directed to an appropriate area.
- Broadly, the present invention is a support device for an article that is adjacent to a sink margin, the support device including a first arcuate flexible finger having a longitudinal axis, with the first finger having a proximal end portion and an opposing distal end portion. Further included is a second arcuate flexible finger having a lengthwise axis, with the second finger having a proximal end portion and an opposing distal end portion. Also, a shoulder element that is sized and configured to cradle the article in an upright position, the shoulder element is disposed in an attached manner therebetween the first proximal end portion and the second proximal end portion. Wherein the first flexible finger, the shoulder element, and the second flexible finger approximately form an inverted “U” shape that frictionally straddles the sink margin. Wherein operationally, the support device cradles the article in the upright position adjacent to the sink margin.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the support device that includes the first arcuate flexible finger, its longitudinal axis, the first finger proximal end portion, the first finger distal end portion, the second arcuate flexible finger, its lengthwise axis, the second finger proximal end portion, the second finger distal end portion, the shoulder element, the cradle segment, and the inverted “U” shape; -
FIG. 2 shows a use perspective view of the support device straddling the margin of the sink, with the cradle segment, the shoulder element, the first arcuate flexible finger, and the second flexible finger; -
FIG. 3 shows a use perspective view of the support device straddling the margin of the sink, with the cradle segment, the shoulder element, the first arcuate flexible finger, and the second flexible finger, wherein the cradle segment is supporting the article in an upright position, with the article in the form of a cleaning utensil being the self-contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein; -
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the base portion of the shoe assembly including the extension of the base, and the depression of the base; -
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the shoe assembly with the base portion, the extension of the base, the depression of the base, the cup, the bottom of the cup, the opposing lip of the cup, the cup bottom being accommodated in the base, the flexible clip, the inward portion of the flexible clip, the opposing outward portion of the flexible clip, the cradle portion of the clip, and the base upon the surface; -
FIG. 6 shows a perspective use view of the shoe assembly with the base portion, the extension of the base, the depression of the base, the cup, the bottom of the cup, the opposing lip of the cup, the cup bottom being accommodated in the base, the flexible clip, the inward portion of the flexible clip, the opposing outward portion of the flexible clip, the cradle portion of the clip, and the base upon the surface, wherein the article is in the form of a cleaning utensil being self contained cleaning sponge having therein disposed dishwashing detergent, wherein the depression is receiving a portion of the article and the flexible clip cradling the opposing portion of the article; -
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, and the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib; -
FIG. 8 shows a perspective use view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, and the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, wherein the basin and extension are substantially conforming to the sink margin of the sink, the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib, the directing of the liquids to the sink, with the ridge retainably suspending a portion of the article over the basin, wherein the article is in the form of a cleaning utensil being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein; -
FIG. 9 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device in relation toFIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion, the raised rib, the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib; -
FIG. 10 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device in relation toFIG. 7 , with the peripheral portion, the raised rib, and the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib in addition to the sponge support mounted on the raised rib; -
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, and the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, plus the substantial conforming to the sink margin of the sink for the basin and the extension, further the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib and the sponge support are shown; -
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the platform device with the retention basin, the peripheral portion, the spillway margin, the raised rib, the extension, with the extension depending outwardly opposite of the raised rib, the substantial conforming to the sink margin of the sink for the basin and the extension, the bi-modal shaped ridge that projects parallel to the raised rib and the sponge support, the directing of the liquids to the sink, with the ridge retainably suspending a portion of the article over the basin, wherein the article is in the form of a cleaning utensil being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein, also the sponge support holding a sponge; -
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the sponge support that is removably engagable to the opposing lip of the cup, with the cup, and cup bottom shown also; and -
FIG. 14 shows a perspective use view of the sponge on the sponge support that is removably engagable to the opposing lip of the cup, with the cup, and the cup bottom shown also. -
- 50 Support device
- 55 Article
- 56 Length of
article 55 - 57 Seepage of
article 55 andsponge 66 - 60 Upright position or support of the
article 55 - 61 Self-contained cleaning sponge of the
article 55 - 62 Reservoir handle for dispensing dishwashing detergent to the
sponge 61 of thearticle 55 - 65 Article in the form of a cleaning utensil being a self-contained cleaning sponge/brush/
scouring pad 61 with dishwashingdetergent dispensing reservoir 62 disposed therein - 66 Sponge
- 70 Sink
- 71 Walls of the
sink 70 - 75 Margin of the
sink 70 - 80 First arcuate flexible finger
- 85 Longitudinal axis of the first arcuate
flexible finger 80 - 90 First proximal end portion of the first arcuate
flexible finger 80 - 95 First distal end portion of the first arcuate
flexible finger 80 - 96 First curved extension of the first
distal end portion 95 - 97 First concave channel of first
curved extension 96 - 100 Second arcuate flexible finger
- 105 Lengthwise axis of the second arcuate
flexible finger 100 - 110 Second proximal end portion of the second arcuate
flexible finger 100 - 115 Second distal end portion of the second arcuate
flexible finger 100 - 116 Second curved extension of the second
distal end portion 115 - 117 Second concave channel of the second
curved extension 116 - 120 Shoulder element
- 125 Cradle segment
- 126 Arcuate axis at the
cradle segment 125 - 127 Perpendicular relationship of
arcuate axis 126 to thelongitudinal axis 85 and thelengthwise axis 105 - 130 Inverted “U” shape
- 135 Frictionally straddles
- 140 Shoe assembly
- 145 Cup
- 150 Bottom of
cup 145 - 155 Opposing lip of
cup 145 - 160 Surface
- 165 Base
- 170 Accommodate the
cup bottom 150 - 175 Extension of the
base 165 - 176 Peripheral ridge of the
base 165 - 177 Receptacle of the
base 165 - 180 Depression of the
base 165 - 181 Receiving slot of the
depression 180 - 185 Receiving a portion of the
article 55 - 190 Flexible clip
- 200 Inward portion of the
flexible clip 190 - 205 Opposing outward portion of the
flexible clip 190 - 210 Cradle portion of the
flexible clip 190 - 211 Curved axis of the
cradle portion 210 - 212 Concave surface of the
cradle portion 210 - 215 Retainably suspending an opposing portion of the
article 55 - 220 Platform device
- 225 Retention basin
- 226 Floor of the
retention basin 225 - 230 Peripheral portion
- 231 Outer peripheral notch in
peripheral portion 230 forsponge support 280 - 232 Inner peripheral notch in
peripheral portion 230 forsponge support 280 - 235 Spillway margin
- 240 Raised rib
- 245 Extension
- 250
Extension 245 depending outwardly - 251 Reverse angled end portion of
extension 245 - 255 Substantial conforming area to the sink margin of the
basin 225 andextension 245 - 260 Bi-modal shaped ridge
- 261 Continuously curving concave surface of the bi-modal shaped
ridge 260 - 262 Bi-modal shaped
ridge 260 extending at least as high as the raisedrib 240 - 265 Parallel projection of the
ridge 260 and therib 240 - 270 Ridge retainably suspending a portion of the
article 55 over thebasin 225 - 275 Directing liquids to the
sink 70 - 280 Sponge support
- 281
Lip 155 interface of the sponge support - 282 Drain aperture for
sponge support 280 - 285 Open environment
- With initial reference to
FIG. 1 , shown is the perspective view of thesupport device 50 that includes the first arcuateflexible finger 80, itslongitudinal axis 85, thefirst finger 80proximal end portion 90, thefirst finger 80distal end portion 95, the second arcuateflexible finger 100, itslengthwise axis 105, thesecond finger 100proximal end portion 110, thesecond finger 100distal end portion 115, theshoulder element 120, thecradle segment 125, and the inverted “U”shape 130. Next,FIG. 2 shows a use perspective view of thesupport device 50 straddling themargin 75 of thesink 70, with thecradle segment 125, theshoulder element 120, the first arcuateflexible finger 80, and the secondflexible finger 100. - Continuing,
FIG. 3 shows a use perspective view of thesupport device 50 straddling themargin 75 of thesink 70, with thecradle segment 125, theshoulder element 120, the first arcuateflexible finger 80, and the secondflexible finger 100, wherein thecradle segment 125 is supporting thearticle 55 is in anupright position 60, with thearticle 55 in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent. Further,FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of thebase portion 165 of theshoe assembly 140 including theextension 175 of thebase 165, and thedepression 180 of thebase 165. Next,FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of theshoe assembly 140 with thebase portion 165, theextension 175 of thebase 165, thedepression 180 of thebase 165, thecup 145, thebottom 150 of thecup 145, the opposinglip 155 of thecup 145, thecup 145bottom 150 being accommodated 170 in thebase 165, theflexible clip 190, theinward portion 200 of theflexible clip 190, the opposing outward portion 205 of theflexible clip 190, thecradle portion 210 of theclip 190, and the base 165 upon thesurface 160. - Yet further,
FIG. 6 shows a perspective use view of theshoe assembly 140 with thebase portion 165, theextension 175 of thebase 165, thedepression 180 of thebase 165, thecup 145, thebottom 150 of thecup 145, the opposinglip 155 of thecup 145, thecup 145bottom 150 being accommodated 170 in thebase 165, theflexible clip 190, theinward portion 200 of theflexible clip 190, the opposing outward portion 205 of theflexible clip 190, thecradle portion 210 of theclip 190, and the base 165 upon thesurface 160. Also inFIG. 6 , thearticle 55 is in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein, wherein thedepression 180 is receiving 185 a portion of thearticle 55 and theflexible clip 190cradling 210 the opposing portion of thearticle 55. - Continuing,
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of theplatform device 220 with theretention basin 225, theperipheral portion 230, thespillway margin 235, the raisedrib 240, theextension 245, with theextension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raisedrib 240, the bi-modal shapedridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raisedrib 240. Further,FIG. 8 shows a perspective use view of theplatform device 220 with theretention basin 225, theperipheral portion 230, thespillway margin 235, the raisedrib 240, theextension 245, with the extension depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raisedrib 240, wherein thebasin 225 andextension 245 are substantially conforming 255 to thesink margin 75 of thesink 70. In addition, inFIG. 8 , the bi-modal shapedridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raisedrib 240, the directing 275 of the liquids to thesink 70, with theridge 260 retainably suspending 270 a portion of thearticle 55 over thebasin 225, wherein thearticle 55 is in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein. - Moving onward,
FIG. 9 shows an inverted perspective view of theplatform device 220 in relation toFIG. 7 , with theperipheral portion 230, the raisedrib 240, theextension 245, with theextension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raisedrib 240. Next,FIG. 10 also shows the inverted perspective view of theplatform device 220 in relation toFIG. 7 , with theperipheral portion 230, the raisedrib 240, theextension 245, with theextension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raisedrib 240 in addition to thesponge support 280 mounted on the raisedrib 240. Further,FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of theplatform device 220, with theretention basin 225, theperipheral portion 230, thespillway margin 235, the raisedrib 240, theextension 245, with theextension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raisedrib 240, the substantial conforming 255 to thesink margin 75 of thesink 70 for thebasin 225 and theextension 245, the bi-modal shapedridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raisedrib 240, and thesponge support 280. - Continuing,
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of theplatform device 220 with theretention basin 225, theperipheral portion 230, thespillway margin 235, the raisedrib 240, theextension 245, with theextension 245 depending outwardly opposite 250 of the raisedrib 240, the substantial conforming 255 to thesink margin 75 of thesink 70 for thebasin 225 and theextension 245. Further, inFIG. 12 , the bi-modal shapedridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raisedrib 240, and thesponge support 280, the directing 275 of the liquids to thesink 70, with theridge 260 retainably suspending a portion of thearticle 55 over thebasin 225, wherein thearticle 55 is in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein, also thesponge support 280 holding asponge 66. Next,FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of thesponge support 280 that is removably engagable to the opposinglip 155 of thecup 145, with thecup 145, andcup 145bottom 150 shown also. Further,FIG. 14 shows a perspective use view of thesponge 66 on thesponge support 280 that is removably engagable to the opposinglip 155 of thecup 145, with thecup 145, andcup 145bottom 150 shown also. - Broadly, in looking at
FIGS. 1 through 3 , the present invention is for thesupport device 50 for anarticle 55 that is adjacent to asink 70margin 75, with thesupport device 50 including the first arcuateflexible finger 80 having thelongitudinal axis 85, thefirst finger 80 having aproximal end portion 90 and an opposingdistal end portion 95 and the second arcuateflexible finger 100 having alengthwise axis 105, thesecond finger 100 having aproximal end portion 110 and an opposingdistal end portion 115. Further included in thesupport device 50 is theshoulder element 120 that is sized and configured to cradle 125 thearticle 55 in anupright position 60, theshoulder element 120 is disposed in an attached manner therebetween the firstproximal end portion 90 and the secondproximal end portion 110. Wherein the firstflexible finger 80, theshoulder element 120, and the secondflexible finger 100 approximately form an inverted “U”symmetrical shape 130 that frictionally straddles 135 thesink 70margin 75, wherein operationally thesupport device 50 cradles thearticle 55 in theupright position 60 adjacent to thesink 70margin 75. Wherein thearticle 55 can be supported in either one of two opposing positions with thearticle 55 adjacent to theshoulder element 120 and the first arcuateflexible finger 80 or thearticle 55 adjacent to theshoulder element 120 and the second arcuateflexible finger 100. - Further on the
support device 50 for thearticle 55, theshoulder element 120 can further comprise acradle segment 125 that has a continuously curving concave surface to suspend in an adjacent manner thearticle 55 in anopen environment 285, seeFIGS. 1, 2, and 3 . In addition, for thesupport device 50 for thearticle 55, thecradle segment 125 can also extend for a full width of theshoulder element 120 in anarcuate axis 126 that is perpendicular 127 to the longitudinal 85 and lengthwise 105 axes to facilitatearticle 55 drainage orseepage 57 in theopen environment 285, again seeFIGS. 1, 2, and 3 . Also thearticle 55, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , can be in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being the self-containedcleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in areservoir 62 in the cleaningutensil 65handle 62, with the cleaningutensil 65 being supported by thesupport device 50 in theopen environment 285, with theopen environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaningutensil 65 forseepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into thesink 70 without the need of a drainage channel in thesupport device 50, as best shown inFIG. 3 . - Also, on the
support device 50 for thearticle 55 the first 80 and second 100 arcuate flexible fingers preferably depend downwardly from theshoulder element 120 in a continuous arc from the first 90 and second 110 proximal end portions to the first 95 and second 115 distal end portions along the longitudinal 85 and lengthwise 105 axes respectively to conform to thesink margin 75 and sinkwalls 71 on each opposing side of thesink margin 75, as best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Further, on thesupport device 50 for thearticle 55 the first 95 and second 115 distal end portions can further comprise a firstcurved extension 96 and a respective secondcurved extension 116 to further support thearticle 55 or as preferably shown the reservoir handle 62 as shown inFIG. 3 . Continuing, for thesupport device 50 for thearticle 55 wherein the first 96 and second 115 curved extensions can form respective first 97 and second 117 concave channels that are each coincident to the continuously curving concave surface of thecradle segment 125, seeFIGS. 1 and 2 . - As an alternative embodiment, in looking at
FIGS. 4 through 6 , theshoe assembly 140 utilizes acup 145 with a bottom 150, and the opposinglip 155, forupright support 60 of anarticle 55 upon asurface 160, in theopen environment 285 with theshoe assembly 140 including abase 165, wherein the base 165 sized and configured to accommodate 170 thecup 145bottom 150 and include anextension 175 with adepression 180 disposed therein to receive 185 a portion of thearticle 55. Further included in theshoe assembly 140 is theflexible clip 190 having aninward portion 200 that is disposed upon thelip 155, theclip 190 having an opposing outward portion 205 with acradle portion 210 disposed opposite of thelip 155, wherein operationally thecradle portion 210 retainably suspends 215 an opposing portion of thearticle 55 over thelip 155 facing the bottom 150 in theopen environment 285. - Also, for the
shoe assembly 140, thecradle portion 210 preferably has a continuously curvingconcave surface 212 to suspend in an adjacent manner thearticle 55 in anopen environment 285, seeFIGS. 5 and 6 or detail. Also thearticle 55, as shown inFIG. 6 , can be in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being the self-containedcleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in areservoir 62 in the cleaningutensil 65handle 62, with the cleaningutensil 65 being supported by theshoe assembly 140 in theopen environment 285, with theopen environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaningutensil 65 forseepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into thecup 145 anddepression 180 without the need of a drainage channel in theshoe assembly 140, as best shown inFIG. 6 . - Continuing for the
shoe assembly 140 wherein thecradle portion 210 can extend for a full width of theflexible clip 190 along acurved axis 211 to further support thearticle 55 over thelip 155 facing the bottom 150 in theopen environment 285, as best shown inFIG. 5 . In addition, for theshoe assembly 140 the base can further comprise aperipheral ridge 176 that forms a part of thebase depression 180; seeFIG. 4 , wherein the peripheral ridge helps to retain thearticle 55seepage 57, as best shown inFIG. 6 . Also, for theshoe assembly 140, the base 165 can further comprise a receivingslot 181 forming a portion of thebase depression 180, seeFIG. 4 , wherein the receivingslot 181 is operational to receive a portion of thearticle 55, namely thereservoir handle 62, to facilitate retaining different length 56articles 55, as best shown inFIG. 6 . Further, on theshoe assembly 140, the base 165 can further comprise areceptacle 177 formed from an interface as between the receivingslot 181 and theperipheral ridge 176, as best shown inFIG. 4 , wherein thereceptacle 177 adds volume to thedepression 180 for receiving a portion of theseepage 57 from thearticle 55, seeFIG. 6 . Further on theshoe assembly 140, it can further comprise asponge support 280 that includes asupport lip 281 interface that is removably engagable to thecup lip 155, being operational to support asponge 66 in addition to thearticle 55, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . - As another alternative embodiment, in looking at
FIGS. 7 through 12 , theplatform device 220 is for thearticle 55 that is adjacent to asink 70 with asink margin 75, the platform device includes theretention basin 225 including theperipheral portion 230 and thespillway margin 235, with theretention basin 225 having a raisedrib 240 adjacent to theperipheral portion 230. Further, in theplatform device 220 is theextension 245 that is affixed to thespillway margin 235, theextension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raisedrib 240, wherein thebasin 225 and theextension 245 substantially conform 255 to thesink 70margin 75. Also, in theplatform device 220 included is the bi-modal shapedridge 260 affixed to a portion of thespillway margin 235, with thebimodal ridge 260 projecting parallel 265 to the raisedrib 240, wherein operationally theridge 260 retainably suspends 270 a portion of thearticle 55 over thebasin 225 that directsarticle 55liquids 275 andseepage 57 to thesink 70. - Also, for the
platform device 220 for thearticle 55, wherein the bi-modal shapedridge 260 can have a continuously curvingconcave surface 261 to suspend in an adjacent manner thearticle 55 to be elevated above afloor 226 of theretention basin 225 to operationally facilitate thearticle 55seepage 57 throughout an entire area of thefloor 226, as best shown inFIGS. 7, 8, and 12 . Further, on theplatform device 220 for thearticle 55, the bi-modal shapedridge 260 can extend to at least as high 262 as the raisedrib 240 to further ensure to suspend in an adjacent manner thearticle 55 to be elevated above thefloor 226 of theretention basin 225 to operationally facilitate thearticle 55seepage 57 throughout an entire area of thefloor 226, seeFIGS. 7, 8, and 12 . - As for the
article 55, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 12 , can be in the form of a cleaningutensil 65 being the self-containedcleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in areservoir 62 in the cleaningutensil 65handle 62, with the cleaningutensil 65 being supported by theplatform device 220 in theopen environment 285, with theopen environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaningutensil 65 forseepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the entire area of thefloor 226 of theretention basin 225, via thesponge 61 being elevated above thefloor 226, i.e. not resting upon thefloor 226, with thesponge 61 being elevated above thefloor 226 from the bi-modal shapedridge 260 extending to at least as high 262 as the raisedrib 240, seeFIG. 7 , thus suspending thesponge 61 up off of thefloor 226, seeFIGS. 8 and 12 . Thus operationally allowing thesponge 61 to completely drain itself of dishwashing liquid and allow thefloor 226 to completely drain of dishwashing liquid, plus having the benefit of less chance of the dishwashing liquid “wicking” up from the reservoir handle 62 to thesponge 61, on thefloor 226 to thesink margin 75 and down thesink walls 71, as thesink walls 71 potentially being lower than thereservoir handle 62, will via gravity draw out the dishwashing liquid from thereservoir handle 62, potentially wasting the dishwashing liquid from thereservoir handle 62, of which suspending thesponge 61 up off of thefloor 226 helps to prevent. - Continuing, for the
platform device 220 for thearticle 55, wherein theperipheral portion 230 can further comprise an outerperipheral notch 231, as shown inFIG. 9 or an innerperipheral notch 232, seeFIG. 7 for receiving asponge support 280, as best shown inFIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 . In addition, for theplatform device 220 for thearticle 55, wherein thenotch 231 is oppositely positioned from the bi-modal shapedridge 260 on theretention basin 225 to operationally facilitate theplatform device 220 to support thearticle 55 and asponge 66 simultaneously, as shown inFIG. 12 . Also on theplatform device 220 for thearticle 55 thesponge support 280 can further comprise a centrally locateddrain aperture 282 as shown inFIG. 11 . Further on theplatform device 220 for thearticle 55 wherein theextension 245 further comprises a reverseangled end portion 251 to minimize capillary action of thearticle seepage 57 toward the area identified as substantially conforming 255 to the sink margin, preferably the reverseangled end portion 251 has an angle of about ten to fifteen degrees as related to thesink margin 75. - Accordingly, the present invention of a support device has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that the present invention is defined by the following claim construed in light of the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.
Claims (7)
1. A shoe assembly utilizing a cup with a bottom and an opposing lip, for upright support of an article upon a surface in an open environment, said shoe assembly comprising:
(a) a base, said base sized and configured to accommodate the cup bottom and include an extension with a depression disposed therein to receive a portion of the article; and
(b) a flexible clip having an inward portion that is disposed upon the lip, said clip having an opposing outward portion with a cradle portion that is disposed opposite of the lip, wherein operationally said cradle portion retainably suspends an opposing portion of the article over the lip facing the bottom in the open environment, thus the cup retaining a portion of seepage from the article.
2. A shoe assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cradle portion has a continuously curving concave surface to suspend in an adjacent manner the article in an open environment.
3. A shoe assembly according to claim 2 wherein said cradle portion extends for a full width of said flexible clip along a curved axis to further support the article over the lip facing the bottom in the open environment.
4. A shoe assembly according to claim 3 wherein said base further comprises a peripheral ridge that forms a part of said base depression.
5. A shoe assembly according to claim 4 wherein said base further comprises a receiving slot forming a portion of said base depression, wherein said receiving slot is operational to receive a portion of the article to facilitate retaining different length articles.
6. A shoe assembly according to claim 5 wherein said base further comprises a receptacle formed from an interface as between said receiving slot and said peripheral ridge, wherein said receptacle adds volume to said depression for receiving a portion of the seepage from the article.
7. A shoe assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a sponge support that includes a support lip interface that is removably engagable to the cup lip being operational to support a sponge in addition to the article.
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US15/623,819 US9808123B1 (en) | 2012-08-06 | 2017-06-15 | Shoe assembly |
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WO2015095691A1 (en) * | 2013-12-19 | 2015-06-25 | Vita-Mix Corporation | Tamper holder |
US20160324346A1 (en) * | 2015-05-09 | 2016-11-10 | Ywanne Chen | Spoon Head Device for Use with Chopsticks |
US10516112B2 (en) * | 2014-07-11 | 2019-12-24 | Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. | Compound, organic electroluminescent element material, organic electroluminescent element, and electronic device |
USD771438S1 (en) | 2014-08-19 | 2016-11-15 | Vita-Mix Management Corporation | Tamper holder |
USD794893S1 (en) | 2016-03-04 | 2017-08-15 | The Libman Company | Sink caddy |
USD793764S1 (en) | 2016-03-04 | 2017-08-08 | The Libman Company | Sink caddy insert |
USD814732S1 (en) | 2016-03-04 | 2018-04-03 | The Libman Company | Dustpan |
US10413154B2 (en) * | 2017-04-24 | 2019-09-17 | P.S. Creations LLC | Plate cleaning apparatus and system |
WO2018031907A1 (en) * | 2016-08-11 | 2018-02-15 | Carreiro Dale A | Systems, methods, and apparatus for transferring a substance between containers |
US10561279B2 (en) * | 2017-05-12 | 2020-02-18 | Kitchinventions, Llc | Utensil rest |
WO2019099627A2 (en) | 2017-11-15 | 2019-05-23 | Vita-Mix Management Corporation | Tamper |
CN110847306B (en) | 2018-08-21 | 2022-09-27 | 科勒公司 | Front apron board water tank with interchangeable surface |
US11324318B2 (en) | 2018-10-04 | 2022-05-10 | Kohler Co. | Apron front sink panel assembly |
US10883654B2 (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2021-01-05 | Arthur Dougherty | Soap wand holder assembly |
USD902644S1 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2020-11-24 | Animalia Consultants (Pty) Ltd | Pot lid accessory |
US11781302B2 (en) | 2020-01-24 | 2023-10-10 | Kohler Co. | Sink having removable apron and accessory systems |
USD952808S1 (en) | 2020-01-24 | 2022-05-24 | Kohler Co. | Sink |
US11470963B2 (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2022-10-18 | Kenny Taylor | Dish wand holder |
USD999552S1 (en) | 2022-03-18 | 2023-09-26 | Nookology Llc | Hygiene implements holder with shield |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2518214A (en) * | 1947-07-03 | 1950-08-08 | Marion L Worthington | Holder for paint cans and the like |
US3029975A (en) * | 1960-05-10 | 1962-04-17 | Frank D Aiello | Can handle |
US3407429A (en) * | 1966-10-12 | 1968-10-29 | Aladin Plastics Corp | Paint can apron and brush holder |
US4071163A (en) * | 1976-09-08 | 1978-01-31 | Michael Martin | Apparatus for recovering paint spills |
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US625435A (en) * | 1899-05-23 | clark | ||
US2262538A (en) * | 1940-06-01 | 1941-11-11 | Richard F Olson | Drain tray for skillets and the like |
US5105485A (en) * | 1989-06-29 | 1992-04-21 | Augustine Sciabarassi | Drainboard |
US5038955A (en) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-08-13 | Kaddi Corporation | Paintbrush caddy |
US5322382A (en) | 1993-04-26 | 1994-06-21 | Hull Harold L | Combination lotion applicator and stand |
US5518211A (en) * | 1994-08-24 | 1996-05-21 | Gaskill; Garold B. | Utensil-holder for containers |
US5730405A (en) * | 1996-02-02 | 1998-03-24 | Nichols, Iv; Charles Walter | Retainer for retaining cooking utensils over cookware |
US5724894A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1998-03-10 | Knorovsky; Alexander | Corner shelf unit |
US6619604B1 (en) | 2001-03-21 | 2003-09-16 | Ralph P. Stillman | Holder for supporting a cleaning utensil |
US20050252920A1 (en) * | 2004-05-13 | 2005-11-17 | The Stanley Works | Paint roller tray |
US7500580B2 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2009-03-10 | Hawkins Shannon W | Paint brush holder for a paint can |
US8684192B1 (en) * | 2011-12-30 | 2014-04-01 | Steven J. Margolin | Caddy for holding and draining washing tools |
-
2013
- 2013-08-05 US US13/959,276 patent/US9291301B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2016
- 2016-02-05 US US15/016,276 patent/US9622621B2/en active Active
- 2016-02-05 US US15/016,268 patent/US20160150918A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2518214A (en) * | 1947-07-03 | 1950-08-08 | Marion L Worthington | Holder for paint cans and the like |
US3029975A (en) * | 1960-05-10 | 1962-04-17 | Frank D Aiello | Can handle |
US3407429A (en) * | 1966-10-12 | 1968-10-29 | Aladin Plastics Corp | Paint can apron and brush holder |
US4071163A (en) * | 1976-09-08 | 1978-01-31 | Michael Martin | Apparatus for recovering paint spills |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9622621B2 (en) | 2017-04-18 |
US9291301B2 (en) | 2016-03-22 |
US20140034795A1 (en) | 2014-02-06 |
US20160153612A1 (en) | 2016-06-02 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |