US20230008750A1 - Utensil cleaning wipes - Google Patents
Utensil cleaning wipes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230008750A1 US20230008750A1 US17/859,938 US202217859938A US2023008750A1 US 20230008750 A1 US20230008750 A1 US 20230008750A1 US 202217859938 A US202217859938 A US 202217859938A US 2023008750 A1 US2023008750 A1 US 2023008750A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wipe
- protrusions
- main body
- utensil
- tines
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia chloride Chemical compound [NH4+].[Cl-] NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001131 Pulp (paper) Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005494 tarnishing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019270 ammonium chloride Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229960000686 benzalkonium chloride Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001797 benzyl group Chemical group [H]C1=C([H])C([H])=C(C([H])=C1[H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- CADWTSSKOVRVJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzyl(dimethyl)azanium;chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].C[NH+](C)CC1=CC=CC=C1 CADWTSSKOVRVJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000118 dimethyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000003082 abrasive agent Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920000297 Rayon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogen Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002964 rayon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 241000207199 Citrus Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 206010061598 Immunodeficiency Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 240000008415 Lactuca sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000433 Lyocell Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000237502 Ostreidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020971 citrus fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000010500 citrus oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000249 desinfective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020636 oyster Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000012045 salad Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015170 shellfish Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000341 volatile oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/16—Cloths; Pads; Sponges
- A47L13/17—Cloths; Pads; Sponges containing cleaning agents
-
- 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
- A47L17/04—Pan or pot cleaning utensils
- A47L17/08—Pads; Balls of steel wool, wire, or plastic meshes
Abstract
A utensil cleaning wipe includes a main body having a plurality of protrusions that extend upward from the top surface in a spaced apart orientation. A cleaning solution that is specifically formulated for use with metallic utensils is provided along the main body and the protrusions, and functions to clean and sanitize a utensil. Each of the protrusions are aligned parallel to each other and include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the slots between the tines of a fork. A plurality of scrubbers is positioned along the length of each of the plurality of protrusions. The scrubbers being constructed from a rough abrasive material that is configured to scrub and remove debris from a utensil. When positioned between the tines of a fork, the protrusions and scrubbers act to clean the entire inside surfaces of each tine.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/219,645 filed on Jul. 8, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to cleaning devices, and more particularly to cleaning wipes for utensils.
- The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
- Utensils such as knives, spoons and forks are among the most commonly reused items we encounter every day. In a commercial setting such as a restaurant, for example, these items are quickly washed prior to being reused by a different guest. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for one or more utensils to be inadequately washed, thus leaving residue or germs from the previous user.
- Although some utensils such as knives and spoons have broad flat surfaces which make it easy to see residue denoting the instrument has not been properly cleaned, forks are much harder to inspect owing to the small spaces between the tines. To this end, many diners are shocked to discover they have likely eaten from a dirty fork at least once when visiting a restaurant or even a home environment. Although this thought is quite uncomfortable to fathom, the fact is that eating from dirty utensils can be quite serious if the user is immunocompromised and/or the utensil passes highly contagious germs or diseases between users.
- Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a utensil cleaning wipe that can be used to quickly and easily sanitize any type of utensil, and that includes functionality for specifically accessing and cleaning between the tines of a fork, so as to overcome the drawbacks described above.
- The present invention is directed to utensil cleaning wipes. One embodiment of the present invention can include a main body having a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. A plurality of protrusions can extend upward from the top surface in a spaced apart orientation. A cleaning solution that is specifically formulated for use with metallic utensils can be provided along the main body and the protrusions and can function to clean and sanitize a utensil without tarnishing the object.
- In one embodiment, each of the protrusions can be aligned parallel to each other and can include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the slots between the tines of a fork. In one embodiment, a plurality of scrubbers can be positioned along the length of each of the plurality of protrusions. Each of the scrubbers can be constructed from a rough abrasive material that is configured to scrub and remove debris from a utensil. When positioned between the tines of a fork, the protrusions and scrubbers can act to clean the entire inside surfaces of each tine.
- This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.
- Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
-
FIG. 1 is a top view of a utensil cleaning wipe that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the utensil cleaning wipe in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is another top view of the utensil cleaning wipe in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. - While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
- As described throughout this document, the term “about” “approximately” “substantially” and “generally” shall be used interchangeably to describe a feature, shape or measurement of a component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.
- As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.
-
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of autensil cleaning wipe 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1 . - As shown in the drawings, the
cleaning wipe 10 can include a main body having atop surface 11 a, abottom surface 11 b, afirst end 11 c, asecond end 11 d, and a pair of opposing sides 11 e-11 f. A plurality ofelongated protrusions 12 can extend upward from the top surface of the main body. - As will be described below, each of the protrusions can include a shape and a width that is complementary to the shape and width of the slots located between the tines of a fork. Each of the protrusions can preferably be positioned parallel to each other so as to extend between the first and second ends of the main body.
- In the preferred embodiment, each wipe will be constructed so as to be pre-moistened with a cleaning solution so as to be ready for use when accessed by an end user. To this end, the main body will preferably be constructed primarily from nonwoven webs of cellulose wood pulp fibers, typically with an added amount of textile fibers such as rayon, cotton, wool, acetate, or Tencel fibers, for example, to enhance wet and dry strength. In one embodiment, the wood pulp fibers can comprise about 75% and the textile fibers about 25% of the overall makeup of the main body. Such materials being preferred as the resulting wipe is biodegradable. Of course, other materials and/or material combinations are also contemplated.
- In one embodiment, each of the
protrusions 12 can include a series ofabrasive scrubbers 13 that are designed to actively scour and scrub utensils so as to remove debris therefrom. In various embodiments, these abrasive scrubbers can be constructed from polyethylene mesh, wool, polyester, or rayon, for example, having a rough, textured and non-smooth surface. Of course, any number of other abrasive materials are also contemplated. - In the preferred embodiment, the main body and protrusions can be pre-impregnated with a cleaning solution that is suitable for disinfecting and cleaning metallic utensils without spotting or tarnishing the finish of the same. Moreover, because the wipes are intended to clean utensils shortly before the utensil is used to engage food items, it is preferred that the cleaning solution be constructed from a formulation that is not harmful to a user if trace amounts remain on the utensil and are ingested by the user.
- In the preferred embodiment, the cleaning solution can include about 97% water (still or distilled) that is mixed with 3% of one or more of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, alkyl, dimethyl, benzyl, ammonium chloride, and/or benzalkonium chloride, among many others, for example. Additionally, any number of scented materials such as various citrus and/or essential oils can be included within the solution to provide a desired aroma.
- In various embodiments, the multiple wipes can be provided within a single plastic container having a cap and dispenser that is capable of dispensing individual wipes while preserving the moisture of the wipes remaining inside. Alternatively, wipes can be individually packaged and sealed within lightweight malleable plastic paper that can be easily ripped open to permit access to the moistened wipe stored inside.
-
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of thewipe 10 in operation to clean a fork. As shown, the wipe can be oriented such that theprotrusions 12 are positioned in the slots located between thetines 2 of afork 1. When so positioned, the user can slide (see arrow a) the main body back and forth along the length of thetines 2. Owing to the specific dimensions of theprotrusions 12, both sides of each of thetines 2 will be engaged by the protrusions and thescrubbers 13 which can function to remove any residue and sanitize the tines. - Additionally, the user can fold (see arrow b) the wipe so as to be able to simultaneously scrub and sanitize the top and bottom surfaces of the fork, including the outer edges of the tines, the points of the tines, and the neck area.
- Although described above as utilizing the top surface and protrusions to engage the fork, the
smooth bottom surface 11 b may also be utilized to clean and sanitize the utensil. As such, the device can be used to clean and sanitize any type of eating utensil in order to ensure the diner is utilizing clean silverware for their meal. - As noted above, the arrangement and spacing of the protrusions is important to ensure proper placement between the tines of a fork. As such, in the preferred embodiment, each wipe can include a width (e.g., distance between
sides 11 e and 110 of about 5 inches, and a length (e.g., distance between ends 11 c and 11 d) of about 6 inches. Such dimensions being suitable for engaging the entire top surface, bottom surface and both sides of the tine, neck, root slot and back sections of an industry standard fork having a length of 3 inches and a width of 1 inch. - Likewise, it is preferred that each wipe include a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending along the length of the wipe. In the preferred embodiment, each of the protrusions can include a height (e.g., distance extending upward from the
top surface 11 a) of 1/16 inch, a width (e.g., extending towardsides - Of course, other dimensions are contemplated for use with different types of forks such as salad forks or specialty forks such as oyster, crab or shellfish forks, for example.
- As described herein, one or more elements of the utensil cleaning wipes 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.
- As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.
- The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Claims (7)
1. A utensil cleaning wipe, comprising:
a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end and a pair of opposing sides;
a cleaning solution that is embedded within the main body; and
a plurality of protrusions positioned along the main body.
2. The wipe of claim 1 , wherein the main body is constructed from nonwoven webs of cellulose wood pulp fibers.
3. The wipe of claim 2 , wherein the wipe is biodegradable.
4. The wipe of claim 3 , wherein the cleaning solution includes water and at least one of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, alkyl, dimethyl, benzyl, ammonium chloride, or benzalkonium chloride.
5. The wipe of claim 4 , wherein the cleaning solutions is configured to be used with metallic utensils without tarnishing the same.
6. The wipe of claim 1 , wherein the wipe is individually packaged.
7. The wipe of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of wipes are packaged within a single container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/859,938 US20230008750A1 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2022-07-07 | Utensil cleaning wipes |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202163219645P | 2021-07-08 | 2021-07-08 | |
US17/859,938 US20230008750A1 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2022-07-07 | Utensil cleaning wipes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230008750A1 true US20230008750A1 (en) | 2023-01-12 |
Family
ID=84798075
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/859,938 Pending US20230008750A1 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2022-07-07 | Utensil cleaning wipes |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230008750A1 (en) |
-
2022
- 2022-07-07 US US17/859,938 patent/US20230008750A1/en active Pending
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7976235B2 (en) | Cleaning kit including duster and spray | |
US20150143703A1 (en) | Flatware and silverware design | |
US2006708A (en) | Washcloth | |
US20090126204A1 (en) | Recyclable and compostable eating utensils and other products made from crop-based resin & method of manufacture | |
US20230008750A1 (en) | Utensil cleaning wipes | |
JP5919289B2 (en) | Antibacterial holder for cleaning tools | |
CN206137997U (en) | Domestic tableware rack | |
JP2018090320A (en) | Paper towel bundle package | |
US9453186B2 (en) | All natural dishwashing composition comprising lemon powder and vinegar powder | |
US9795267B1 (en) | Multi step cleaning system | |
CN107007859B (en) | Embedded disinfection cabinet | |
JP5911123B2 (en) | Sanitary sheet set for wiping off the deposits of instruments that have come into contact with food, and method for wiping and reducing deposits on instruments that have touched food | |
US20170065115A1 (en) | Spooner, the spoon rest | |
Forte | EXPERT TESTED ALL STARS CLEANING+ ORGANIZING: GH's Cleaning Lab pros and a brigade of almost 250 consumers spent more than four months testing the newest, most innovative cleaners, appliances and organizers. We steamed, scrubbed and sorted our way through over 1,000 products to find the ones that we'd use in our homes and recommend you use in yours. Try these keep-tidy stars stat! | |
US20180042416A1 (en) | Sanitary Utensil | |
JP3194376U (en) | Wooden thin board meal | |
US20160325317A1 (en) | Disposable grill cleaning device | |
CN201814271U (en) | Tableware structure | |
JP3185234U (en) | Kitchen wet tissue | |
Møretrø et al. | Kitchen cloths: Consumer practices, drying properties and bacterial growth and survival | |
CN210076788U (en) | Reusable environment-friendly handbag | |
KR20120006399U (en) | Disposable dish package | |
CN209989881U (en) | Dual-purpose water tank device | |
Fleming et al. | Speed cleaning: a spotless house in just 15 minutes a day | |
CN207532223U (en) | A kind of operating table |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |