US20200237181A1 - Reusable straw holder for dishwasher - Google Patents
Reusable straw holder for dishwasher Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200237181A1 US20200237181A1 US16/773,061 US202016773061A US2020237181A1 US 20200237181 A1 US20200237181 A1 US 20200237181A1 US 202016773061 A US202016773061 A US 202016773061A US 2020237181 A1 US2020237181 A1 US 2020237181A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- funnel
- dishwasher
- neck
- reusable
- securing member
- 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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-
- 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
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/50—Racks ; Baskets
- A47L15/505—Inserts, e.g. for holding baby bottles, stemware or cups
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/18—Drinking straws or the like
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- Table Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher is provided. The holder (hereinafter referred to as the “assembly”) is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws. Each of the funnel portions includes a funnel base to direct water and soap into the body of the reusable straw and a variable diameter neck portion to hold the reusable straw during the cleaning process.
Description
- This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/796,615 filed on Jan. 25, 2019.
- The present specification generally relates to a household cleaning apparatus and, more specifically, a holding apparatus for holding reusable straws for cleaning in a household dishwasher.
- Commonly known drinking straws are comprised of a small pipe that allows its user to more conveniently consume a beverage. Traditionally, a thin tube of paper, plastic (such as polypropylene and polystyrene), or other similar material is used. For environmental reasons, it is becoming increasingly more common to utilize reusable drinking straws comprised of plastic, metal, glass or other similarly resilient and durable materials in various lengths and diameters.
- However, as with all reusable products, reusable straws must be cleaned. Various known cleaning methods for cleaning reusable straws include soaking or use of a small brush or pipe cleaner to clean the interior of the straw. However, these methods are time consuming and often ineffective.
- Accordingly, a need exists for alternative cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning reusable straws.
- The present specification generally relates to a reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher. The holder is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws.
- A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device having a plurality of interconnected funnel portions, each of the funnel portions includes a funnel and a neck, the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws, and the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw. In some embodiments, the plurality of interconnected funnels are connected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.
- A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device having at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck, the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws, and the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw. In some embodiments, a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.
- A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device having at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck, the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end configured to accommodate a reusable straw, and the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw. In some embodiments, a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.
- These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.
- The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
-
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the assembly installed in a dishwasher according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; -
FIG. 2 depicts an elevational view of the assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and -
FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrating the flow of water through the assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. - Herein described is a device for easily washing one or a plurality of reusable straws in a dishwasher. The device includes at least one funnel portion connected to a neck portion. The neck portion is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during a cleaning cycle in a dishwasher. The neck portion is tapered so as to accommodate different sized straws therein. The device includes securing portions to connect the device to the prongs of a dishwasher.
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FIG. 1 generally depicts a reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher. The holder (hereinafter referred to as the “assembly”) is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws. Each of the funnel portions includes a funnel base to direct water and soap into the body of the reusable straw and a variable diameter neck portion to hold the reusable straw during the cleaning process. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , anassembly 100 is provided having a plurality offunnel portions 104 having afunnel 102 and avariable diameter neck 106. Theassembly 100 further includes a securingmember 108 configured to connect directly to a spoke or other structure within a dishwasher. A reusable straw is positioned within thevariable diameter neck 106 to hold and secure the reusable straw during the washing process. Thevariable diameter neck 106 includes a variable diameter so as to accommodate different sized straws during the washing process. Thefunnel 102 includes a distal end having a significantly larger diameter as compared to theneck 106 so as to facilitate movement of water into the inner body of a reusable straw. - The
assembly 100 further includes a securingmember 108 to secure theassembly 100 to a dishwasher. The securingmember 108 protrudes away from the base of the assembly and includes a circular aperture configured to connect directly to aprong 204 of adishwasher 200. Thedishwasher 200 includes a plurality ofprongs 204 connected to a base 202. Theprongs 204 are generally vertical to as to easily allow the securingmember 108 to connect thereto. Asecondary securing member 111 is provided opposite of the securing member 308. The securingmember 111 includes afirst prong 111A and asecond prong 111B have aspace 113 disposed therebetween. Thespace 113 configured to accept aprong 204 and configured to flex apart from each other when a dishwasher prong is positioned there between. - In other embodiments, the securing member may be a hook or other loop configured to connect directly to a dishwasher prong or support member. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include both a loop and a pair of prongs to allow the user to choose which connection means works best in their dishwasher or to allow the user to use both connection means.
- In this embodiment, a portion of the
funnel assembly 104 is angled so as to facilitate movement ofwater 206 up the interior body of thereusable straw 500. - The inside of the
neck 106 includes an upper diameter D-1 and a lower diameter D-2. In this embodiment, D-1 is larger as compared to D-2. The inner diameter of the neck 306 gradually decreases from D-1 to D-2 (thereby tapering) so as to accommodate straws having various outer diameters within theneck 106. Thereusable straw 500 is positioned into theneck 106 at the opening 110. -
FIG. 3 depicts the cross-sectional view of theassembly 100. Theassembly 100 includes the plurality offunnels 102 each having abottom opening 112. Theopening 112 of thefunnel 102 includes aninner surface 114. Theopening 112 andinner surface 114 are configured to direct water and/or soap used within the dishwasher into the funnel and up through a reusable straw positioned within theneck 106. -
FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of theassembly 100 containing astraw 500. Theassembly 100 is positioned within thedishwasher 200. Thestraw 500 is positioned directly into the neck of the assembly and secured therein. The user securely positions thestraw 500 into the neck of the assembly by pushing the straw into the neck until it is secured. The straw is positioned into the opening 116 of theneck 106. - In other embodiments, a single funnel apparatus is provided. In this embodiment, a single funnel portion is provided so as to clean a single straw in a dishwasher. The single funnel includes all of the same elements of the funnel portions as herein described and as illustrated by the appended drawings except that the apparatus only provides a funnel portion in the singular.
- It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.
- These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
- While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.
- Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.
- It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Claims (12)
1. A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device comprising:
a plurality of interconnected funnel portions, each of the funnel portions includes a funnel and a neck;
the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws; and
the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of interconnected funnels are connected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the device includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.
5. A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device comprising:
at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck;
the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws; and
the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein the device includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher.
8. The device of claim 5 wherein the device includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.
9. A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device comprising:
at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck;
the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end configured to accommodate a reusable straw; and
the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck.
11. The device of claim 9 wherein the device includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher.
12. The device of claim 9 wherein the device includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/773,061 US20200237181A1 (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2020-01-27 | Reusable straw holder for dishwasher |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962796615P | 2019-01-25 | 2019-01-25 | |
US16/773,061 US20200237181A1 (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2020-01-27 | Reusable straw holder for dishwasher |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20200237181A1 true US20200237181A1 (en) | 2020-07-30 |
Family
ID=71733090
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/773,061 Abandoned US20200237181A1 (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2020-01-27 | Reusable straw holder for dishwasher |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4108153A1 (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2022-12-28 | Miele & Cie. KG | Drinking straw holder |
US11950744B2 (en) | 2022-03-14 | 2024-04-09 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Dishwasher with straw carrier |
-
2020
- 2020-01-27 US US16/773,061 patent/US20200237181A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4108153A1 (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2022-12-28 | Miele & Cie. KG | Drinking straw holder |
BE1029531B1 (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2023-01-30 | Miele & Cie | straw holder |
US11950744B2 (en) | 2022-03-14 | 2024-04-09 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Dishwasher with straw carrier |
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