U.S. patent application number 15/458696 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-14 for shoelace cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Michael Keyes. Invention is credited to Robert Michael Keyes.
Application Number | 20170260672 15/458696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59786200 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170260672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keyes; Robert Michael |
September 14, 2017 |
Shoelace Cleaning Device
Abstract
A shoelace-cleaning device comprises a spherical housing having
first and second halves. Each half has a plurality of apertures
allowing for the ingress and egress of fluids. A plurality of tabs
are positioned within the interior having a height extending
towards the center of the sphere. The spherical housing is
dimensioned to receive a plurality of shoelaces once the first half
and second half are releasably engaged. Fasteners releasably engage
fastener receivers to retain the two halves. The device may then be
disposed in a washing machine or drying machine to clean the
shoelaces retained within.
Inventors: |
Keyes; Robert Michael;
(Bedford Hills, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Keyes; Robert Michael |
Bedford Hills |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59786200 |
Appl. No.: |
15/458696 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62307832 |
Mar 14, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 95/008 20130101;
D06F 95/006 20130101; D06F 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 1/00 20060101
D06F001/00; B65D 6/00 20060101 B65D006/00; B65D 8/00 20060101
B65D008/00 |
Claims
1. A shoelace cleaning device comprising: a. a housing defined by a
first half and a second half, wherein the first half releasably
engages the second half, and wherein the housing is dimensioned to
receive a plurality of articles; b. a plurality of apertures
positioned on the first half and the second half; and c. a
plurality of tabs positioned in an interior of the housing.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is spherical, and
wherein the first half and the second half are hemispherical.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first half rim and
second half rim, wherein the first half rim sealingly engages the
second half rim. (Changed from corresponding rims, to defining each
half as having its own rim. This helped clarify the claim.)
4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of the one or more fasteners
extends vertically from the first half rim and the second half
rim.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first half and the second
half each have at least one fastener and at least one fastener
receiver. (we moved these up and re-worded from previous claims 6
and 7)
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of articles are one
or more shoelaces.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners
and one or more fastener receivers, wherein each of the one or more
fasteners releasably engage one of the one or more fastener
receivers.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures permit
the ingress and egress of fluids.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the position of the plurality of
apertures promotes a vortex of fluids within the housing.(Wording
changed to vortex)
10. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of tabs agitate
the shoelaces and fluids within the housing.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tabs
extend toward the center of the housing. (changed from having a
height to extend)
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tabs are
integrally molded to the housing. (removed spherical to be more
broad)
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a polymer
plastic.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the polymer plastic is heat
resistant and shock resistant.
15. A method for cleaning articles comprising the steps of: a.
disposing a plurality of articles in an interior of a housing; b.
releasably engaging a first half and a second half of the housing;
and c. disposing the housing in a washing apparatus.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of
disposing the housing in a drying apparatus.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing is spherical, and
wherein the first half and the second half are hemispherical.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising a first half rim and
second half rim, wherein the first half rim sealingly engages the
second half rim.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing is dimensioned to
receive shoelaces.
20. The method of claim 15 further comprising one or more fasteners
and one or more fastener receivers, wherein each of the one or more
fasteners releasably engage one of the one or more fastener
receivers, and wherein engagement of the fasteners with the
fastener receivers retains the first half and the second half of
the device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/307,832 filed on Mar. 14, 2016, entitled
"SHOELACE LAUNDRY BALL" the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of auxiliary
laundry devices, and specifically auxiliary laundry devices for
washing shoelaces.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Currently there are a number of solutions for washing
shoelaces. One of these solutions attempts to scrub, soak and hand
wash you shoelaces, but this solution fails to meet the needs of
the market because this method is messy and time consuming. Another
solution attempts to throw the shoelaces in the washing machine
with the rest of your laundry., but this solution is similarly
unable to meet the needs of the market because shoelaces can become
entangles with your other clothing items or the wash machine's
internal components.
[0006] It would be advantageous to have an apparatus that allows
you to clean your shoelaces without having to wash the laces by
hand. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an
apparatus that allows for shoelaces to be washed in a washing
machine without becoming a tangled mess. Still further, it would be
advantageous to have an apparatus that is a ball that you can place
shoelaces in, snap together and place in the washing machine.
Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for an
apparatus that is a ball to hold shoelaces, is slotted to allow for
water and detergent to flow through and has internal tabs to allow
for internal agitation to the laces. The device also allows the
laces to become clean in the wash in the wash without becoming a
tangled mess.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A shoelace-cleaning device has a housing, defined by a first
and second half configured to releasably engage one another. The
housing is dimensioned to receive a plurality of articles.
Apertures are positioned on each half of the device. A plurality of
tabs are positioned in an interior of the housing.
[0008] In an embodiment, the shoelace-cleaning device comprises a
hemispherical first half and second half. Each half releasably
engages the other to form a spherical housing. The spherical
housing has an interior dimensioned to receive and retain a
plurality of shoelaces. A plurality of apertures are positioned on
the first and second halves allowing for the ingress and egress of
fluids. Further, a plurality of tabs are positioned within the
interior of the spherical housing and promote agitation of fluids
within the device. Each tab has a height extending towards the
center of the sphere.
[0009] In an embodiment, the first half and the second half have
similarly dimensioned first half and second half rims allowing for
each half to sealingly engage the other. Each half comprises a
fastener to releasably engage a fastener receiver on the opposing
half. In this manner, a single part may be manufactured for each
half of the device.
[0010] In an embodiment, each aperture promotes the agitation of
fluid entering the spherical housing. Each aperture is dimensioned
to retain shoelaces within the spherical housing. Further, each of
the tabs may be integrally molded to the spherical housing.
[0011] In an embodiment, a method of use includes a user disposing
a plurality of articles in a housing. The user then releasably
engages a first half and second half of the device and disposes the
housing in a washing apparatus.
[0012] In an embodiment, the user may dispose the device in a
drying apparatus.
[0013] The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the
invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the
accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings briefly described as follows.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the device, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the device, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the two hemispheres of the
device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the two hemispheres
of the device, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the a hemisphere of the
device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a hemisphere of the device,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a hemisphere of the device,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9A is a side elevation view the device, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the device, according to
an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the method of use, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their
advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-10, wherein
like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0027] In general, the invention described herein is directed to a
spherical shaped device that can be separated into two hemispheres.
The device is dimensioned, at minimum, to retain shoelaces within
an interior of the spherical device. The device may be disposed in
a washing machine and dryer wherein small articles, such as
shoelaces, which are disposed within are cleaned. Tabs within the
device provide agitation of the shoelaces and promote cleaning. A
plurality of apertures are positioned through the housing 10 of the
device allowing for fluid to move into and flow through the
interior of the device.
[0028] In reference to FIGS. 1-9B, the device housing 10 is
generally spherical in shape. The device comprises a housing with a
first half 101 and a second half 102. In a preferred embodiment,
each half is a hemisphere, which are adapted to be releasably
engaged with one another. The assembly of each half 101, 102 form a
complete sphere. The means to secure the two halves 101, 102 is a
snap fit connection. The spherical device 10 defines an exterior
forming a cavity within the interior of the spherical structure.
The device 10 includes a plurality of apertures 103. Each aperture
103 allows for access from the exterior of the device 10 to the
interior, wherein fluids are able to move through the interior of
the device. The device 10 includes a plurality of tabs 104 each
having a height extending toward the center of the interior of the
device 10. Each tab 104 aids in the agitation of the contents
within the device during use. In use, a user will position
shoelaces to be washed within a half 101, 102 of the device 10. The
halves 101, 102 are then assembled together to form the completed
device 10. The device 10 is then placed within a washing machine.
The device housing 10 contains the shoelaces during washing with
the washing fluids penetrating to the interior of the device
housing 10 through the apertures 103 while the tabs 104 aid in
agitation of the shoelaces within the device housing 10.
[0029] In an alternate embodiment, the two halves 101, 102 may not
be equal in size, diameter, or attachment means. Instead, a smaller
portion may be used for disposing shoelaces within.
[0030] In an embodiment, each aperture 103 of the housing 10 is
molded to modify the flow of water in order to create a vortex of
water aiding in the cleaning of shoelaces. The interior surface and
the exterior surface are separated by a beveled, or textured
surface to further agitate the fluid as it moves through the
apertures 103.
[0031] Each aperture is dimensioned such that the shoelaces will
remain retained within the interior of the spherical housing 10
without protruding through the apertures.
[0032] In an embodiment, each half 101, 102 of the housing 10 are
releasably engaged to one another by a friction fit.
Preferentially, the second half 102 is adapted to receive a raised
edge of the first half 101.
[0033] In an embodiment, the halves 101, 102 may be held together
by one or more clips, magnets, clamps, or other means of releasable
engagement. In a further embodiment, each half has a threaded
portion, each of which are adapted to engage the corresponding
threaded portion of the corresponding half. The first half 101 and
second half 102 have first half rim 115 and second half rim 116
that are similarly dimensioned such that a sealed engagement is
made between the halves 101, 102.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment and in reference to FIG. 9A and
9B, each half 101, 102 of the device is a mirrored structure of the
opposing half. In this manner, each half 101, 102 will comprise a
fastener receiver 110 and a fastener 120, wherein the fastener 120
of one of the halves is positioned to releasably engage the
fastener receiver 110 of the opposing half. This allows for only
one half to be manufactured, reducing the cost of production
substantially. In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners 120
extend vertically from each of the first half rim 115 and second
half rim 116 parallel to the central axis of the sphere.
[0035] In an embodiment, the first half 101 of the device housing
10 comprises one or more fastener receivers 110. Each of the
fastener receivers 110 is adapted to receive a fastener 120 from
the second half 102. Each fastener 120 is positioned substantially
near a circumference of the second half 102 and extends in a
direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the
hemispherical second half 102. Each fastener 120 may be a spring
biased L-shaped member, wherein the spring biases the fastener 120
through the fastener receiver 110 of the first half 101 allowing
for the second half 102 and first half 101 to be retained in
unison.
[0036] In use, a user will dispose one or more shoelaces within the
interior of a half 101 of the device. The user will then engage the
second half 102 and engage the fasteners 120 with the fastener
receivers 110. The user may then dispose the device into a washing
machine, drying machine, or likewise automated cleaning
machine.
[0037] Alternate embodiments permit the device housing 10 to be
molded into an alternate 3-dimensional shape having an interior
cavity wherein shoelaces may be disposed.
[0038] In an embodiment, the device housing 10 is comprised of a
resilient polymer material that is reusable. The material used may
withstand repeated use in a washing machine as well as a tumble
dryer. The device should be able to withstand repeated bouts of
cold, heat, and impacts during use.
[0039] In an alternate embodiment, each half 101, 102 may be
hingedly connected. The hinged connection permits access to the
inner contents of the device. A fastener and fastener receiver may
releasably engage each half of the device.
[0040] In reference to FIG. 10 and in step 1, a user disposes a
small article, such as a shoelace into the housing. In step 5, the
user then releasably engages each half of the housing with the
article being retained within the housing. In step 10, the user
disposes the housing within a washing machine, sink, or other
apparatus or means of washing articles such as shoelaces and other
small items.
[0041] In an embodiment, the user may dispose the device into a
drying apparatus wherein the wet article within the housing is
dried before use.
[0042] The invention has been described herein using specific
embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that
the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways.
Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in
scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as
being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
* * * * *