Tool With Diverting Channels

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

63/680,723, filed Aug. 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Traditional kitchen cleaning tools are designed primarily for scrubbing and removing food particles and debris from kitchenware and sink surfaces. However, these tools typically lack a built-in means for rinsing the scrubbed surfaces. Consequently, users must either (1) utilize a pullout sprayer hose, (2) run the kitchenware under the direct flow of a tap or faucet, or (3) use an atypical cleaning tool with an attached hose connected to a water supply.

These are inconvenient as they often require the user to switch between tools or positions to achieve thorough cleaning and rinsing.

What is needed is a cleaning tool configured to divert a material for rinsing scrubbed surfaces.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides one or more embodiments of a tool that may integrate scrubbing, pouring, and rinsing functionalities within a single device.

According to the disclosure, an example embodiment may comprise: a head with a first side, a second side, and a lateral side connecting the first side and second side; an edge at the intersection of the first side and the lateral side; a handle attached to the head; and a plurality of diverting channels on the first side. The diverting channels may be configured to direct a substance emanating from above to freely flow over the edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description of various embodiments may be understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawing(s), wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example cleaning apparatus, as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an orthogonal front view of an example cleaning apparatus, as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an orthogonal top view of an example cleaning apparatus, as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an example cleaning apparatus, as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example cleaning apparatus as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an orthogonal front view of an example cleaning apparatus, as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an orthogonal top view of an example cleaning apparatus, as per an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a kitchen tool apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 1. This apparatus may be used as a cleaning tool. The cleaning tool may be configured to rinse soap from surface(s). The cleaning tool may be configured to rinse food particles from surface(s). The cleaning tool may be configured to rinse debris from surface(s). Embodiments may be configured to substantially divert a stream using diverting channels. An example embodiment 100 of the tool may comprise a head 105, a handle 110, a plurality of diverting channels 120 in the head 105, and an attachment 130. The handle 110 may be attached to the head 105. The handle 110 may be configured so that a user may grasp the tool. The plurality of diverting channels 120 may be formed into the head 105. The attachment 130 may be configured for contact with an object being cleaned. The head 105 may comprise of a first side 160, a second side 170, a lateral side 180 connecting the first side 160 and the second side 170, and an edge 190 over which a substance flows.

The edge 190 may be the portion of the intersection between the first side 160 and the lateral side 180. According to an example embodiment, the handle 110 may be attached to the first side 160. According to an example embodiment, the handle 110 may be attached to the second side 170. According to an example embodiment, the handle 110 may be attached to the lateral side 180 of the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the plurality of diverting channels 120 may be disposed into the first side 160 of the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may be attached to the second side 170. According to an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may comprise a brush. According to an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may comprise a sponge. According to an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may comprise an abrasive material.

The head 105 may comprise a three-dimensional shape. According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may comprise plastic. Plastic materials may comprise polypropylene. Plastic materials may comprise nylon. Plastic materials may comprise Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may comprise rubber. According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may comprise wood. According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may comprise metal.

According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may comprise wooden materials. The wooden materials may comprise Bamboo. The wooden materials may comprise Beech. The wooden materials may comprise Maple.

According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may comprise metal materials. The metal materials may comprise stainless steel. The metal materials may comprise aluminum.

According to an example embodiment, the plurality of diverting channels 120 may be configured to direct a material to freely flow over the edge 190. The material may comprise liquid. According to an example embodiment, the plurality of diverting channels 120 may be molded onto the first side 160 of the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the plurality of diverting channels 120 may be carved onto the first side 160 of the head 105. The plurality of diverting channels 120 may be molded onto the head 105 through injection molding. The diverting channels 120 may also be cut into the head 105 using various mechanical machining techniques. The cut into the head 105 may be via mechanical machining techniques. The diverting channels 120 may be carved into the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the diverting channels 120 may be printed into the head 105. The printing may be via additive manufacturing.

The first side 160 of the head 105 may comprise at least two diverting channels 120. These diverting channels 120 may provide the user with various stream direction options without needing to pivot the tool. At least some of diverting channel(s) 120 may comprise a hollow bed. The hollow bed may comprise an open cross-sectional shape. At least some of diverting channel(s) 120 may comprise a trench. The trench may comprise an open cross-sectional shape. At least some of diverting channels 120 may be configured to direct a liquid to freely flow over the edge 190. At least a portion of each diverting channel 120 may be exposed such that the diverting channel 120 comprises an open cross-sectional shape. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of diverting channels 120 may comprise a back wall to redirect the liquid flow into the desired direction.

According to an example embodiment, the diverting channels 120 may comprise a variation of open cross-sectional shapes. According to an example embodiment, these shapes may comprise a cleft-shaped cross section. According to an example embodiment, open cross-sectional shapes may comprise a semicircular cross section. According to an example embodiment, open cross-sectional shapes may comprise a V-shaped cross section. According to an example embodiment, open cross-sectional shapes may comprise a U-shaped cross section. According to an example embodiment, open cross-sectional shapes may comprise a concave cross section. According to an example embodiment, open cross-sectional shapes may comprise a polygonal cross section. A cleft-shaped cross section may comprise a contour defined by two symmetrical convex curves that converge at a point. A concave cross section may comprise an open shape, wherein at least a portion of the one or more sides is curved. A polygonal cross may comprise an open shape with a plurality of sides, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of sides is a straight line.

According to an example embodiment, a diverting channel 120 may be configured to substantially divert and direct a material to freely flow over the edge 190. The material may, for example, comprise a liquid. The liquid may, for example, comprise water. The liquid may, for example, comprise soap. The liquid may, for example, comprise a cleaning solution. Upon entry of a stream of the liquid onto the diverting channel, the liquid may be substantially diverted approximately perpendicular to the direction of stream entry. The direction of stream flow along the diverting channel towards the edge 190 may be approximately perpendicular to the direction of stream entry. Substantially perpendicular may be between, for example, a range of 60 to 120 degrees. A material that may be freely flowing over the edge 190 may not be subject to a closed system. A material that may be freely flowing over the edge 190 may not be subject to a pressurized system. A material that may be freely flowing over edge 190 may may emanate from a non-pressurized system. A material that may be freely flowing over the edge 190 may may emanate from an open-air system. This diverted stream may be employed to rinse off soap. This diverted stream may be employed to rinse off food particles. This diverted stream may be employed to rinse off soap and debris from surfaces. This diverted stream may be employed to rinse of additional residue.

According to an example embodiment, the handle 110 may be detachably attached to the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the handle 110 may be fixedly attached to the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the head 105 may be configured to receive the handle 110. The handle 110 may comprise a material with sufficient stiffness to support the head 105. The handle 110 may comprise of a material such as plastic. The handle 110 may comprise a material such as rubber. The handle 110 may comprise a material such as wood. The handle 110 may comprise a material such as metal. Plastic materials may comprise polypropylene. Plastic materials may comprise nylon. Plastic materials may comprise Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Wooden materials may comprise Bamboo. Wooden materials may comprise Beech. Wooden materials may comprise Maple. Metal materials may comprise stainless steel. Metal materials may comprise aluminum. The handle 110 may comprise the same material as the head 105. The handle 110 may comprise a different material as the head 105. The handle 110 may comprise two or more materials. For example, the handle 110 may comprise a combination of materials. The materials in the combination may comprise one or more of the above-mentioned materials. According to an example embodiment, a combination may comprise a grip portion. According to an example embodiment, the grip portion may comprise a material that has a gripping characteristic when exposed to a free flowing material. According to an example embodiment, the grip portion may comprise rubber.

The handle 110 may be at least twice the length as that of the head 105. The length of the head may be defined by the distance across the first side 160 from one edge 190 to its parallel edge 190.

According to an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may be detachably attached to the head 105. According to an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may be fixedly attached to the head 105. In an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may comprise a brush. A brush may comprise a plurality of bristles. The plurality of bristles may comprise natural materials. Natural materials may comprise animal hair. Natural materials may comprise plant fibers. The plurality of bristles may comprise nylon. The plurality of bristles may comprise plastic. The plurality of bristles may comprise metal. Metal may comprise brass. Metal may comprise stainless steel. The plurality of bristles may comprise polyester. In an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may comprise a sponge. A sponge may comprise a synthetic material. A sponge may comprise polyurethane foam. A sponge may comprise cellulose. A sponge may comprise polyester. A sponge may comprise a porous material. In an example embodiment, the attachment 130 may comprise an abrasive material. Abrasive materials may comprise aluminum. Abrasive materials may comprise steel wool. Abrasive materials may comprise emery. Abrasive materials may comprise nylon.

An orthogonal front view of an example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2. Example embodiment 200 may comprise a head 205, a handle 210, diverting channels 220, and attachment 230. The head 205 may comprise a first side 260, a second side 270, a lateral side 280, and an edge 290 connecting the first side 260 and the lateral side 280.

An orthogonal top view of an example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3. Example embodiment 300 may comprise a head 305, a handle 310, diverting channels 320, and attachment 330. The head 305 may comprise a first side 360 and an edge 390 over which a material may be diverted to flow.

A diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4. Example embodiment 400 may comprise a head 405, handle 410, diverting channels 420, and attachment 430. The head 405 may comprise a first side 460, a second side 470, a lateral side 480, and an edge 490 connecting the first side 460 and the lateral side 480. According to an example embodiment, a flow 450 (e.g. liquid flow) may be supplied from a source 440. The plurality of diverting channels 420 may provide various stream directions for the flow 450. The diverting channels 420 may be positioned to provide a range of flow directions. The diverting channels 420 may allow users to rinse and clean objects effectively. According to an example embodiment, a user may change the rinsing direction by shifting the flow of liquid 450 to enter an adjacent diverting channel. A user may not have to substantially pivot the tool. A user may rinse surfaces without placing the head 405 directly under a source 440 of the liquid flow 450. A user may rinse surfaces without utilizing complex mechanical hose attachments. A user may rinse surfaces without utilizing a second hand to move the source 440. According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 400 may be used to rinse complex surfaces. Complex surfaces may comprise motorized vehicles. Complex surfaces may comprise animals. Complex surfaces may comprise fruits and vegetables. Complex surfaces may comprise fish tanks or other animal housing structures of the like.

Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. Example embodiment 500 may comprise a head 505, handle 510, diverting channels 520, and attachment 530. The head 505 may comprise a first side 560, a second side 570, a lateral side 580, and at least one edge 590 connecting the first side 560 and the lateral side 580. According to an embodiment, the plurality of diverting channels 520 may comprise a U-Shaped cross section.

An orthogonal front view of an example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. Example embodiment 600 may comprise a head 605, handle 610, diverting channels 620, and attachment 630. The head 605 may comprise a first side 660, a second side 670, a lateral side 680, and at least one edge 690 connecting the first side 660 and the lateral side 680.

An orthogonal top view of an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7. An embodiment 700 may comprise a head 705, handle 710, diverting channels 720, and attachment 730. The head 705 is comprised of a first side 760 and at least one edge 790 over which a material may flow.

In this disclosure, “a” and “an” and similar phrases are to be interpreted as “at least one” or “one or more. ” Similarly, any term that ends with the suffix “(s)” is to be interpreted as “at least one” or “one or more.” In this disclosure, the term “may” is to be interpreted as “may, for example.” In other words, the term “may” is indicative that the phrase following the term “may” is an example of one of a multitude of suitable possibilities that may, or may not, be employed to one or more of the various embodiments. The terms “including” and “comprising” should be interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to. ” In this disclosure, the abbreviation “e.g.” means “for example” and is followed by one or more examples that illustrate a term receding the abbreviation.

In this disclosure and the claims, differentiating terms like “first,” “second,” “third,” identify separate elements without implying an ordering of the elements or functionality of the elements. Differentiating terms may be replaced with other differentiating terms when describing an embodiment.

In this disclosure, various embodiments are disclosed. Limitations, features, and/or elements from the disclosed example embodiments may be combined to create further embodiments within the scope of the disclosure.

Many features presented above are described as being optional through the use of “may” or the use of parentheses. For the sake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does not explicitly recite each and every permutation that may be obtained by choosing from the set of optional features. However, the present disclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all such permutations. For example, a system described as having three optional features may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just one of the three possible features, with any two of the three possible features or with all three of the three possible features.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments should not be limited by any of the above described example embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that, for example purposes, the above explanation has focused on a device for scrubbing and rinsing complex surfaces. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may also be implemented as a pouring device such as, for concrete, other industrial uses, manufacturing purposes, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlight the functionality and advantages, are presented for example purposes only. Disclosed examples are sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than those shown.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosure is not intended to be limiting as to the scope in any way.