US1807239A - Sponge cup - Google Patents

Description

May 26, 1931, H. F. GUENTZLER v 39 I SP ONGEiCUP Filed March 5.. 1929 INVENTOR f/HPMA/V F GUE/VTZLER ATTORN EY Patented May 26, 1931 HERMAN F. GUENTZLER, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO SIPONGE CUP Application filed March 5,

This invention relates to a moistening pad or sponge cup whereby a surface supply of moisture is kept constantly available for the use of bank tellers and others engaged in similar work where it is necessary to have a handy means for moistening the finger-tips frequently, or for wetting postage stamps, envelope flaps, and the like. Among the aims of the invention are the provision of an apparatus which will not require filling except at considerable intervals and will not be in danger of being upset nor of spilling water if it is accidently overturned, and which can be readily and cheaply manufactured. Other purposes and advantages of this invention will be apparentfrom the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my sponge moistener; and

Fig. 2 is a vertical central section through the same.

In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, the moistener is shown as consisting of a cylindrical sponge l projecting above the top of a hollow ring-shaped container 2 which also constitutes a water reservoir. The outer walls 2 of the container are herein shown as beaded or doubled upward on the inside to form a flange d which supports a circular bottom piece 5 which is thus elevated sufficiently above the base to allow room for a short downward filling nozzle and cap 6, the relative elevation of the bottom piece and length of the filling cap being such that the cap does not touch the surface upon which the moistener is set. The inner wall 7 of the moistener, which comprises the immediate holder for the sponge, is perforated as shown at 8 near the bottom to allow access of water to the bottom of the sponge gradually as it is carried away by the pores of the sponge. The hollow ring 2 which constitutes the water reservoir is closed at the top so that a vacuum is formed above the water therein, and water can consequently escape only as air bubbles in through the outlet hole 8, which in turn can occur only when the water level in the central sponge holder falls below the top of the hole.

1929. Serial No. 344,270.

In using my invention, the entire apparatus is inverted, the filling cap 6 removed and the reservoir 2 filled with water, the cap replaced and the holder set upright in position for use. It will be observed that whether the sponge 1 be inserted in position or left out no excess of water can flow into the central cup on account of the low position of the water inlet 8.

It will be understood that my invention is not limited to the particular form shown but that the relative sizes, shapes, proportions and materials of the members may be modified. For example, it is Within the purview of my lnvention to alter the outline of my reservoir, or the shape or material of the sponge, to change the location and character of the lling cap, and so on.

The scope of my invention is to be determined by the following claim rather than by the disclosure herein.

hat I claim is A sponge holding cup comprising in combination concentric vertical rings of different height, a bottom piece, the inner ring and the portion of the bottom piece defined thereby constituting the immediate sponge-holding elements, a spacer ledge rising within the outer ring, a circular bottom piece resting upon the upper edge of the spacer ledge and supporting the inner vertical ring, a filling orifice and cap on the under side of the bottom piece but of less depth than the spacer ledge, said orifice communicating with the annular space between the concentric rings, an air-tight connection between the tops of said vertical rings, and edges defining an opening through the inner ring adjacent the bottom.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix signature this 28th day of February, 1929.

HERMAN F. GUENTZLER.

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