Patent Publication Number: US-9890488-B2

Title: Stain cleaning device

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices for removing stains from fabrics. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There exist, on the market, many stain remover products. Conventional solutions provide a cleaning agent that serves to “loosen” the stain from the fabric or garment. Once the cleaning agent is applied to a stain, the consumer is left to mechanically scrub the stain and then rinse the solution and the stain from the fabric. Common practices include holding the fabric over a sink or placing the fabric on a countertop with an absorbent cloth. In these practices, the consumer must use one hand to hold the fabric and the other hand to apply the cleaning agent and to scrub the stain. Since the fabric is loosely held, it may difficult or impossible to adequately scrub the stain. In addition, some cleaning agents may include chemicals that are skin irritants or toxic. By holding the fabric in a hand, cleaning agents may come into direct contact with the consumer&#39;s hands. As such, stain cleaning devices are presented. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below. 
     As such, stain cleaning devices are presented including: a base forming a tapered cylinder and having a base upper opening and a base lower opening, the base configured for receiving a fabric, and a ring forming a tapered sleeve that is complementary with the base, where the ring includes a ring upper opening and a ring lower opening, and where the ring secures the fabric over the base. In some embodiments, devices further include: an insert disc having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the insert is positioned between the base upper opening and the fabric and where the insert includes, a washboard surface along the top surface and a soaking tray surface along the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the washboard surface includes a texture selected from the group consisting of a raised cross texture, a raised parallel texture, and a number of raised individual features. In some embodiments, devices further include: a removable bottom cover positioned along the base lower opening. In some embodiments, the base further includes a number of raised friction features along a surface of the tapered cylinder, where the number of raised friction features extend substantially parallel with the base upper opening and the base lower opening. In some embodiments, the ring further includes a number of raised friction features along a surface of the tapered sleeve. In some embodiments, the base upper opening has a first circumference that is different than a second circumference of the base lower opening. In some embodiments, the base further includes a collapsible portion such that the device may be configured in a collapsed position and an extended position. 
     In other embodiments, stain cleaning devices are presented including: a base forming a tapered cylinder and having a base upper opening and a base lower opening, the base configured for receiving a fabric; a ring forming a tapered sleeve that is complementary with the base, where the rings includes a ring upper opening and a ring lower opening, and where the ring secures the fabric over the base; and an insert disc having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the insert is positioned between the base upper opening and the fabric and where the insert includes, a washboard surface along the top surface and a soaking tray surface along the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the washboard surface includes a texture selected from the group consisting of: a raised cross texture, a raised parallel texture, and a number of raised individual features. In some embodiments, devices further include: a removable bottom cover positioned along the base lower opening. In some embodiments, the base further includes a number of raised friction features along a surface of the tapered cylinder, where the number of raised friction features extend substantially parallel with the base upper opening and the base lower opening. In some embodiments, the ring further includes a number of raised friction features along a surface of the tapered sleeve. In some embodiments, the base upper opening has a first circumference that is different than a second circumference of the base lower opening. In some embodiments, the base further includes a collapsible portion such that the device may be configured in a collapsed position and an extended position. 
     In other embodiments, stain cleaning kits are presented including: a base forming a tapered cylinder and having a base upper opening and a base lower opening, the base configured for receiving a fabric; and a ring forming a tapered sleeve that is complementary with the base, where the rings includes a ring upper opening and a ring lower opening, and where the ring secures the fabric over the base; an insert disc having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the insert is positioned between the base upper opening and the fabric and where the insert includes, a washboard surface along the top surface and a soaking tray surface along the bottom surface; and a brush for scrubbing the fabric. In some embodiments, kits further include: a removable bottom cover positioned along the base lower opening. In some embodiments, kits further include a cleaning solution suitable for cleaning the fabric. In some embodiments, kits further include an absorbent swatch for absorbing a stain. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a stain cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of a stain cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, 
         FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of an insert disc in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of a stain cleaning device in use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative representation of a collapsible stain cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of a collapsible stain cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein provide consumers with a stain cleaning device that manages a fabric (or garment) during cleaning. Embodiments gently holds and stretches the fabric allowing deep penetration of cleaning agents. In addition, scrubbing may be more gently applied when the fabric is stretched thus extending the useful life of the fabric. Embodiments may be used in a sink basin, on a countertop, or on any working surface convenient to a consumer. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a stain cleaning device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, as illustrated, stain cleaning device  100  includes ring  102  and base  106 . Base  106  forms a tapered cylinder having upper opening  106 A and lower opening  106 B. Base  106  is configured for receiving a fabric. Embodiments in use will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 4 . It may be noted that base upper opening  106 A has a circumference that is different from a circumference of base lower opening  106 B. In some embodiments, the base upper opening circumference is smaller than the base lower opening circumference. In embodiments, bases may be manufactured from a number of materials such as a polymeric material, a rigid polymeric material, and a semi-rigid polymeric material. 
     Further illustrated is ring  102  that forms a tapered sleeve that is complementary with base  106 . Tapered sleeve embodiments may be sized to a fabric&#39;s thickness as desired by a consumer. Ring  102  includes ring upper opening  102 A and ring lower opening  102 B. In use, ring  102  secures a fabric over base  106 . In embodiments, rings may be manufactured from a number of materials such as: a polymeric material, a rigid polymeric material, a semi-rigid polymetric material, a semi-stretchable polymeric material, and a stretchable polymeric material. In some embodiments, use of a semi-stretchable polymeric material may be particularly useful in accommodating fabric of different stiffness and thickness. In some embodiments, stain cleaning device  100  includes insert disc  104  positioned between base upper opening  104  and a fabric. Insert discs will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, stain cleaning device  100  includes removable bottom cover  108  positioned along the base lower opening. Removable bottom covers may be useful to contain cleaning agent and liquid flow though in some embodiments. It may be appreciated that utilizing a removable bottom cover may be particularly useful when using stain devices on countertops. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of a stain cleaning device  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, as illustrated, stain cleaning device  200  includes ring  202  and base  206 . Base  206  forms a tapered cylinder having upper opening  206 A and lower opening  206 B. Base  206  is configured for receiving a fabric. Embodiments in use will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 4 . It may be noted that base upper opening  206 A has a circumference that is different from a circumference of base lower opening  206 B. In some embodiments, the base upper opening circumference is smaller than the base lower opening circumference. In some embodiments, base  206  further includes a number of raised friction features  212  along a surface of the tapered cylinder. In embodiments, bases may be manufactured from a number of materials such as: a polymeric material, a rigid polymeric material, and a semi-rigid polymeric material. 
     Raised friction features may provide an improved gripping surface for receiving a fabric. As illustrated, the raised friction features extend substantially parallel with base upper opening  206 A and base lower opening  206 B. As may be appreciated, raised friction features may have any number of cross-sectional profiles. As illustrated, raised friction features have a rectangular cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments cross-sectional profiles may include, for example, a circular cross-sectional profile, a semi-circular cross-sectional profile, a square cross-sectional profile, an ovate cross-sectional profile, and a semi-ovate cross-sectional profile without limitation. 
     Further illustrated is ring  202  that forms a tapered sleeve that is complementary with base  206 . Tapered sleeve embodiments may be sized to a fabrics thickness as desired by a consumer. Ring  202  includes ring upper opening  202 A and ring lower opening  202 B. In use, ring  202  secures a fabric over base  206 . In embodiments, rings may be manufactured from a number of materials such as: a polymeric material, a rigid polymeric material, a semi-rigid polymeric material, a semi-stretchable polymeric material, and a stretchable polymeric material. In some embodiments, use of a semi-stretchable polymeric material may be particularly useful in accommodating fabric of different stiffness and thickness. In some embodiments, ring  202  further includes a number of raised friction features  210  along a surface of the tapered sleeve. Raised friction features may provide an improved gripping surface for a consumer&#39;s hand. As illustrated, raised friction surfaces cover only a portion of ring  202 . However, raised friction surfaces may cover more or less of ring  202  in embodiments without limitation. In addition, raised friction surfaces may include any number of patterns or cross-sectional profiles in embodiments. In some embodiments, stain cleaning device  200  includes insert disc  204  positioned between base upper opening  204  and a fabric. Insert discs will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, stain cleaning device  200  includes removable bottom  208  cover positioned along the base lower opening. Removable bottom covers may be useful to contain cleaning agent and liquid flow though in some embodiments. It may be appreciated that utilizing a removable bottom cover may be particularly useful when using stain devices on countertops. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of an insert disc  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 3  represents a top view and a bottom view of insert disc  104  in  FIG. 1  and insert disc  204  in  FIG. 2 . As noted above, insert discs may be positioned between an base upper opening and a fabric. As illustrated, insert disc  300  includes top surface  302  having washboard surface  304 . It may be appreciated that a washboard surface may provide better agitation and cleaning agent penetration resulting in a more effective cleaning surface for fabrics. Washboard surface embodiments may include any number of textures including: a raised cross texture, a raised parallel texture, and a plurality of raised individual features. Further illustrated is bottom surface  306  having soaking tray surface  308 . In some examples, fabrics may benefit from additional soaking to allow cleaning agents to adequately penetrate stains. A soaking tray may be utilized to accomplish this benefit. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of a stain cleaning device in use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Uses illustrated may serve equally well with any embodiments disclosed herein such as for example, stain cleaning device  100  in  FIG. 1  and stain cleaning device  200  in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated, fabric  404  may be placed over base  406 . In some examples an insert disc may be provided between fabric  404  and base  406 . In other examples, no insert disc may be utilized. Once fabric  404  is in place, with stain positioned over base upper opening, ring  402  may be lowered onto fabric/base to secure the fabric as shown in assembly  400 . As ring  402  is placed on base  406 , fabric  404  is gently stretched and secured. The amount of stretching may be adjusted depending on how firmly ring  402  is placed on base  406 . 
       FIG. 5  is an illustrative representation of a collapsible stain cleaning device  500  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, as illustrated, stain cleaning device  500  includes ring  502  and base  506 . Base  506  forms a tapered cylinder having upper opening  506 A and lower opening  506 B. Base  506  is configured for receiving a fabric. Embodiments in use will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 4 . It may be noted that base upper opening  506 A has a circumference that is different from a circumference of base lower opening  506 B. In some embodiments, the base upper opening circumference is smaller than the base lower opening circumference. In collapsible stain device embodiments, base  506  may include collapsible portion  510 . In embodiments, collapsible portion  510  functions to allow collapsible stain device embodiments to be deployed in a collapsed position and an extended position. 
     Further illustrated is ring  502  that forms a tapered sleeve that is complementary with base  506 . Tapered sleeve embodiments may be sized to a fabric&#39;s thickness as desired by a consumer. Ring  502  includes ring upper opening  502 A and ring lower opening  502 B. In use, ring  502  secures a fabric over base  506 . In embodiments, rings may be manufactured from a number of materials such as: a polymeric material, a rigid polymeric material, a semi-rigid polymeric material, a semi-stretchable polymeric material, and a stretchable polymeric material. In some embodiments, use of a semi-stretchable polymeric material may be particularly useful in accommodating fabric of different stiffness and thickness. In some embodiments, stain cleaning device  500  includes insert disc  504  positioned between base upper opening  504  and a fabric. Insert discs are discussed in further detail above for  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, stain cleaning device  500  includes removable bottom cover  508  positioned along the base lower opening. Removable bottom covers may be useful to contain cleaning agent and liquid flow though in some embodiments. It may be appreciated that utilizing a removable bottom cover may be particularly useful when using stain devices on countertops. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of a collapsible stain cleaning device  600  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As noted above, in collapsible stain device embodiments, base  602  may include collapsible portion  604 . In embodiments, collapsible portion  604  functions to allow collapsible stain device embodiments to be deployed in a collapsed position and an extended position as illustrated. It may be appreciated that collapsible stain cleaning devices may be manufactured from any of a number of polymeric compounds and siliconized polymeric compounds without limitation. 
     In some additional embodiments not illustrated, a netting sleeve may be utilized to contain fabric not captured by stain device embodiments so that the extra material may be properly managed. Netting sleeves may be attached with bases in any manner known in the art without departing from embodiments provided herein. In one embodiment, a netting sleeve includes a drawstring for attaching the netting sleeve along the circumference of the base. 
     Kits 
     In embodiments, it may be useful to provide a kit for cleaning fabrics. Such kits may include in any combination the following items. 
     A base; 
     A ring; 
     An insert disc; 
     A brush; 
     A removable bottom cover; 
     A cleaning solution; and 
     An absorbent swatch. 
     In a first example, a kit embodiment may include; a base and a ring. In another example, a kit embodiment may include; a base, a ring, and an insert disc. Thus a kit embodiment includes at least a base and a ring and may be supplemented by any or all of the above referenced items in any combination without limitation. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.