Patent Description:
The kitchen in particular can be a breeding ground for these issues. Many kitchen surfaces and accessories offer prime locations for bacterial growth. Dish towels, for example, are known conduits for bacterial growth, because these can provide nutrients and moisture for bacteria to grow. Bacteria can survive at least two days on surfaces, which is more than enough time to spread somewhere else if not disinfected. Kitchen countertops may have bacteria on them as well, which is why cleaning them before preparing food is highly recommended.

Due to germ, bacteria and scum concerns, some containers with residual standing water after washing are routinely hand dried. Using a dish towel, for example, can contribute to an increased exposure of bacteria when it is used to wipe up surfaces prior to drying the container, thereby potentially spreading bacteria as it is used from surface to surface. Furthermore, not completely drying containers can also lead to a buildup of scum and residue.

If left untreated, fungus can also appear and grow in containers in the form of mold. If presented with some of the conditions noted above, such as water, warmth, and a dark space, fungus can start to appear as soon as <NUM> hours if the container was not properly cleaned and dried.

Many containers have restricted access to the full interior due to narrow necks, depth, width, or odd shape of the container, among other attributes. This makes it very difficult to get a container completely dry using traditional methods. Some examples of current methods to dry these kinds of containers may include air drying by using a peg or drying rack system, or by inserting paper towels or cloth towels into the container, which risks exposure to bacteria if those items aren't clean and dry before use. Some people try to navigate the container by guiding a paper towel or cloth towel with another long narrow utensil, to hopefully reach the small amounts of liquid still left on the sides and bottom of the container. Homemade attempts of guiding towels into containers for thorough drying is often cumbersome, ineffective, and frustrating, especially for glass containers as these methods often leave streaks or lint on the surface, depending on the material used for drying. Water spots may also be left behind, as well, reducing the aesthetic appeal of the container.

Other devices such as pegboards and drying racks take up precious wall and countertop space. Properly air drying can take up to <NUM> hours. Meanwhile, using dirty dish towels to dry containers potentially introduces bacteria into food and beverage containers.

For some reusable containers, such as water bottles or insulated food containers, people often use a brush with soap and water to scrub and clean the inside of the container. Anyone cleaning the container still has a potential limitation of not being able to see whether they cleaned the entire interior surface properly, including nooks and crannies. Undetected residual liquid or food leaves the container vulnerable to bacterial growth, as an example. Effective and efficient drying in hard-to-reach areas is near impossible with current methods.

<CIT> discloses a device to aid in drying baby bottles after washing comprising a plastic handle, a flexible "wand", and a drying head having a plurality of absorbent cloth strips. In use, the cloth end of the device is reciprocated therewithin a baby bottle after it has been washed and rinsed. The cloth strips and drying head are removably attached thereto the handle assembly and may be released for washing, drying, or and/or replacement purposes.

<CIT> discloses a brush device for cleaning an interior of a bottle that includes a shaft that is insertable into an interior of a bottle. Each of a plurality of bristle sets is coupled to the shaft and is positioned adjacent an end of the shaft. Each of the bristle sets is insertable into the interior of the bottle to scrub the bottle. A handle is coupled to an end of the shaft distal to the bristle sets. The handle is graspable to facilitate manipulation of the shaft and the bristle sets to scrub the interior of the bottle.

<CIT> discloses a flexible connecting piece for a rod handle and a cleaning attachment. The flexible connecting piece comprises a first connecting region for attaching the cleaning attachment, a second connecting region for attaching the rod handle, and a flexible portion, which connects the first connecting region and the second connecting region. The flexible portion comprises a flexible bar having a longitudinal axis, on which bar at least two at least partially peripherally extending rib portions are arranged.

What is needed is a portable drying mechanism that may remove residual liquid within containers and hard-to-reach areas. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for a portable drying mechanism. The mechanism comprises a grip, shaft, neck, drying panels, and tip. The shaft may comprise one or multiple pieces, wherein the length may be extended or compressed to accommodate containers of different heights or lengths. In some implementations, the grip may comprise a button or other activation mechanism, such as a switch or rip cord, to modify the configuration of the portable drying mechanism.

In some aspects, a portable drying mechanism may be reused for a limited number of uses and discarded, or may be used long-term when properly maintained after each use, depending on the material. In some implementations, a button may release interchangeable components of the portable drying mechanism. In some embodiments, the button may allow the shaft to extend. In some implementations, the button may activate an electrical drying response such as, but not limited to, a water vacuum, or rotating drying material. In some aspects, the shaft may comprise a hollow cavity for material retention.

In some embodiments, the shaft may comprise a telescoping aspect that allows for extension and retraction. In some embodiments, extenders may be attached to achieve a desired length. In some implementations, the shaft may comprise a flexible portion to dry containers with complex shapes. In some aspects, the neck may comprise a drying material that protrudes at a predetermined distance from the portable drying mechanism. In some embodiments, the tip may comprise a sensor to verify dryness within a dried container.

In some implementations, the portable drying mechanism may comprise components that may allow the portable drying mechanism to access limited geometry within containers. In some embodiments, the portable drying mechanism may provide sensory feedback to indicate the internal state of the container where stringent drying is imperative such as in a scientific setting. In some aspects, the portable drying mechanism may comprise components that may be sterilized for use in laboratories or medical settings, such as in the hospital.

The present disclosure relates to a portable drying mechanism that comprising: a grip configured to allow for gripping by a hand, where the grip comprises a first grip end and a second grip end; a shaft comprising a first shaft end and a second shaft end, where the first shaft end is couplable to the second grip end; a neck comprising: a first neck end, where the first neck end is couplable to the second shaft end, a second neck end, and a plurality of drying panels configured to extend from the second neck end; a tip comprising a first tip end and a second tip end, where the first tip end is couplable to the second neck end; and an attachment mechanism configured to couple the neck to one or both the second shaft end and the first tip end.

In some embodiments, the plurality of drying panels may comprise a synthetic material. In some implementations, the plurality of drying panels may comprise a natural material. In some aspects, the attachment mechanism may comprise one or more of a threaded connection, a bayonet coupling, a snap-in-place mechanism, a sliding mechanism, ball and joint mechanism, and a button mechanism. In some aspects, the shaft may be flexible. In some embodiments, a length of the shaft may be adjustable. In some implementations, the shaft may comprise a telescoping mechanism.

In some aspects, the shaft may comprise multiple pieces that integrate to extend or compress a length of the shaft incrementally. In some embodiments, the second tip end may comprise a sensor. In some implementations, one or more of the grip, shaft, neck, and tip are hollow. In some aspects, the plurality of drying panels may be replaceable. In some embodiments, the plurality of drying panels may be retractable. In some implementations, the plurality of drying panels may be reusable. In some aspects, the neck may comprise a flexible portion configured to allow the shaft to bend.

In some embodiments, the plurality of drying panels may be flexible. In some implementations, the shaft may be interchangeable. In some aspects, the rotation of the plurality of drying panels may be configured to be automated or manually manipulated. In some embodiments, the portable drying mechanism may comprise a release mechanism configured to release the attachment mechanism. In some implementations, the portable drying mechanism may be wholly or partly reusable. In some aspects, the plurality of drying panels may be detachable and replaceable.

The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Drying mechanism: as used herein refers to a drying tool comprising a grip, elongated shaft and neck with detachable drying panels and tip, wherein the drying mechanism may be used to dry the interior of a container or other hard-to-reach areas. In some embodiments, the mechanism may comprise a plurality of components that may be either detachable, replaceable and or reusable. In some aspects, the drying mechanism may comprise disposable drying heads, wherein each may be used for one or more drying solutions in a plurality of containers.

Container: as used herein refers to a vessel that may comprise an enclosed or partially enclosed surface area that may collect or retain liquid or moisture. In some aspects, liquid and other non-limiting fluids may be absorbed by a drying mechanism. In some embodiments, the container may hold one or more liquids within its dimensions. As illustrative examples, a container may comprise a decanter, champagne flute, water bottle, vase, test tube, beaker, or carafe.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. According to the present invention the drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a grip <NUM>. Furthermore, the drying mechanism comprises a shaft <NUM>. Moreover, the shaft <NUM> comprises an attachment mechanism that allows the shaft <NUM> to connect to a neck <NUM>. The neck <NUM> comprises a tip <NUM>. Furthermore, according to the present invention the neck <NUM> comprises a plurality of drying panels <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may be flexible to dry unique internal contours of containers or confined spaces.

In some implementations, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a singular piece, wherein all components are attached. In some aspects, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise individual pieces, wherein each component may be separated from the drying mechanism <NUM>. For example, the grip <NUM> may disconnect from the shaft <NUM> and be reattached after being cleaned or serviced. Additionally, the shaft <NUM> may comprise one or several individual pieces that integrate to allow for extension and compression of the length of the shaft <NUM>. This may allow the drying mechanism <NUM> to be used on containers of all different sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the shaft may be flexible, which may allow for more comprehensive reach and access to spaces within a container.

In some embodiments, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may be removable from the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may comprise one material or several materials, arranged randomly or in a pattern. In some aspects, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may comprise a wholly flexible or partly flexible material. For example, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may comprise a base material and a topical, textured material further comprising flexible or rigid bumps, grooves, points, or other non-limiting textures. This may aid in the effective drying of the target container, especially one having a particularly intricate configuration. In some implementations, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may be reused for a limited number of uses and discarded or may be used long-term when properly maintained after each use, depending on the material.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> and a container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the neck <NUM> of the drying mechanism <NUM> may extend to the distal end of the interior of the container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, the shaft <NUM> may extend into an opening of a container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to allow the tip <NUM> and the drying panels <NUM> to reach the edges within the container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some aspects, the neck <NUM> may comprise a plurality of drying panels <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may be flexible to dry unique internal contours of containers. In some aspects, the drying panels <NUM> may comprise one or more materials, whereby liquid may be absorbed, wholly or in part, into the drying panels <NUM>.

In some implementations, the tip <NUM> may assist the drying mechanism <NUM> in removing liquid from the corners of a plurality of shapes. As an example, the tip <NUM> may remove small amounts of water in the distal corners of a decanter after the decanter has been washed. The tip <NUM> may guide the drying panels <NUM> within a container, allowing for more precise drying. In some embodiments, the neck <NUM> may comprise flexible material, wherein the drying mechanism <NUM> may be inserted into more than one shape container.

For example, a container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a smaller opening and a wider enclosure like a water bottle or a baby bottle, wherein a drying mechanism <NUM> may be inserted and freely move around to absorb liquid within the container. In some aspects, the drying mechanism <NUM> may remove liquid from generic container types such as plastic containers, narrow-necked water bottles, baby bottles, wine glasses, and laboratory test beakers, as a non-limiting list. As another example, a decanter neck may be easily dried by a drying mechanism <NUM> with a thinner shaft <NUM>, wherein the drying mechanism <NUM> may also reach the base of the interior of the container.

In some embodiments, the shaft <NUM> may comprise a plurality of interchangeable lengths, wherein the drying mechanism <NUM> may reach into one or more container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> bases. The plurality of interchangeable lengths may be incremental, such as through a telescoping mechanism, or freely adjustable. In some implementations, the drying mechanism <NUM> may interface with shafts <NUM> of a plurality of predetermined lengths to fit a plurality of containers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some aspects, the shaft <NUM> may comprise a variable thickness to comprise a plurality of lengths on the same shaft <NUM>. A variable thickness may allow the shaft <NUM> to access narrow openings that are shallow enough to require only the first portion of the shaft <NUM> to enter the container <NUM> while simultaneously providing a thicker shaft closer to the neck to provide increased stability during use. The thickness of the shaft <NUM> may be uniformly predetermined, tapered, adjustable, or any combination thereof.

In some implementations, the shaft <NUM> and neck <NUM> may be removed from the tip <NUM>. In some implementations, the shaft <NUM> may comprise locking mechanisms on its ends, wherein the grip <NUM>, neck <NUM>, and tip <NUM> may connect.

As a non-limiting example, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a smaller width shaft <NUM> wherein, the drying mechanism <NUM> may be placed into the opening of a champagne flute. A wider version of the shaft <NUM> may be used for a deeper container, such as a flower vase, where a sturdier shaft <NUM> may be needed, and the depth of the container is longer. In between uses, a user may disconnect and reconnect one or more shafts <NUM> to coincide with the container being dried by the drying mechanism <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> and a plurality of shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the grip <NUM> may interface with a plurality of shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, the shaft may attach to the neck <NUM> via a threaded hole. In some aspects, the tip <NUM> may be detachable from the neck <NUM>. In some implementations, the tip <NUM> may incorporate a non-scratching connection piece, such as rubber or silicone, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the neck <NUM> may comprise a locking mechanism, wherein the neck <NUM> may be fastened to the shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with or without a tip.

For example, the neck <NUM> may comprise two connectors that may couple to one another and fixate the neck <NUM> to the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the shaft <NUM> may comprise an extension system, wherein the length of the drying mechanism <NUM> may be adjusted. In some aspects, the orientation of the shaft <NUM> may be adjustable.

For example, a container <NUM> may comprise significant curvature. The shaft <NUM> may comprise a flexible portion that allows the neck <NUM> to match the curvature of the container <NUM> body so that the drying panels <NUM> can reach and dry the curve of the container <NUM>. In some aspects, the neck <NUM> may comprise a plurality of drying panels <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may be flexible to dry unique internal contours of containers. The drying panels <NUM> may come in one or more shapes and sizes. In some aspects, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of interchangeable shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the shaft <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a plurality of lengths and widths. In some aspects, a longer shaft <NUM> may be used to reach a plurality of depths of containers. In some embodiments, a thicker shaft <NUM> may be used for heavy-duty containers, whereby the drying mechanism <NUM> may remain intact.

For example, a thinner shaft <NUM> may comprise a lower structural integrity that may inhibit the application of a large amount of force that may be necessary to maneuver the drying mechanism <NUM> within the container <NUM>. A thicker shaft <NUM> may provide the drying mechanism <NUM> with sufficient structural integrity for more strenuous use. In some embodiments, the neck <NUM> may comprise one or more sizes, wherein one or more sized shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may adapt into the neck <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> with detachable neck <NUM> is illustrated. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a grip <NUM>. In some aspects, the grip <NUM> may comprise a storage method that may interface with an external surface such as a suction cup, as a non-limiting example. The storage method may allow the user to place the drying mechanism <NUM> in a proximal location to an area of frequent use. According to the present invention, the drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM>. In some aspects, the grip <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> may be regions of a single component. According to the present invention, the shaft <NUM> connects to the detachable neck <NUM> via an attachment mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the neck <NUM> may comprise a tip <NUM>. In some aspects, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may detach from the neck <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the tip <NUM> may comprise an absorbent material, wherein the drying mechanism <NUM> may absorb liquid in the corners of containers. In some embodiments, the flexible drying panels <NUM> may comprise a material that may retain fluid as the flexible drying panels are compressed when removed from a container.

For example, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may be used on a smaller drying mechanism <NUM>, then removed and attached to larger drying mechanism <NUM> for a plurality of interchangeable uses. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may comprise a slot, wherein a spring-loaded button may be inserted. In some implementations, the button may be pressed to remove the attachment mechanism <NUM> from the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some aspects, the button may improve the accessibility of interchanging parts, including fresh drying heads, between drying mechanisms <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise slots on any part of its outer surface. In some aspects, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of slots, wherein the neck <NUM> may attach at one or more lengths. In some embodiments, two or more slots may be located on the side of the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of grooves, wherein the neck <NUM> may attach at one or more lengths by sliding and locking into one or more grooves, such as for a bayonet coupling, as a non-limiting example.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a grip <NUM>. In some aspects, the grip <NUM> may comprise an opening for attachment to an external component. The shaft <NUM> connects to the neck <NUM> via an attachment mechanism <NUM>. The neck <NUM> comprises a tip <NUM>. The neck <NUM> comprises a plurality of drying panels <NUM>. The plurality of drying panels <NUM> may be uniform or varied, comprising different sizes, shapes, and textures. For example, the plurality of drying panels <NUM> may comprise two or more flexible materials, so as to wipe dry glass containers. In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may be flexible to dry unique internal contours of containers. In some implementations, the flexibility of the drying panels <NUM> may increase as the drying panels <NUM> absorb liquid. In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may retain fluid when compressed, allowing for more effective drying with limited risk of inadvertently adding liquid back into a container when removing the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some aspects, compression may occur if the neck of the container is small and the drying panels <NUM> may fold to fit through the opening.

The drying mechanism <NUM> Z comprises a shaft <NUM>. In some aspects, the shaft <NUM> may comprise a telescoping mechanism <NUM>, wherein the drying mechanism <NUM> may be adjusted to a plurality of lengths. In some embodiments, the shaft <NUM> may comprise one or more telescoping mechanisms <NUM>. In some implementations, the telescoping mechanisms <NUM> may comprise a plurality of lengths, that allow the drying mechanism <NUM> to reach different regions of a container or different sized container.

In some aspects, such as illustrated in <FIG>, the shaft <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise one or more predetermined lengths that may be interchangeable to accommodate for containers of a plurality of depths, each comprising their own attachment mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the shaft <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise three shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to reach the bottom of a carafe and then the user may remove one or more shafts <NUM>, <NUM> to use the drying mechanism <NUM> for a shallow test beaker.

The plurality of lengths may be predetermined or freely customizable by the user. In some aspects, the shaft <NUM> may comprise locking mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that allow for locking of the different lengths. In some aspects, the locking mechanism may be activated by twisting the shaft <NUM>. For example, the shaft <NUM> may be twisted clockwise to tighten the locking mechanism, whereas twisting the shaft <NUM> counterclockwise may loosen the locking mechanism.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> comprising an attachment mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a grip <NUM>. The drying mechanism <NUM> Z comprises a shaft <NUM> coupled to the grip <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> connects to the neck <NUM> via an attachment mechanism <NUM>. In some aspects, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may be actuated by a release mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the neck <NUM> may comprise a tip <NUM>.

In some aspects, the grip <NUM> may comprise a release mechanism <NUM>, wherein the neck <NUM> may be removed from the drying mechanism <NUM>. The release mechanism <NUM> may comprise a button or sliding channel, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, pressing on the button may allow for the attachment and disconnection of the neck <NUM> from the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, the shaft <NUM> may be interchanged on the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, a larger shaft <NUM> may be attached to the drying mechanism <NUM>, wherein a more durable version of the drying mechanism <NUM> may be used.

In some implementations, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may allow portions of the drying mechanism <NUM> to be interchangeable with other drying mechanisms <NUM>. For example, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may attach a neck <NUM> to a smaller drying mechanism <NUM>, then removed and attached to larger drying mechanism <NUM> for a plurality of uses.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises grip <NUM>. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM> coupled to the grip <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> connects to the neck <NUM> via an attachment mechanism <NUM>. The neck <NUM> comprises a tip <NUM>.

In some aspects, the neck <NUM> may comprise threaded material, whereby the drying panels <NUM> of the drying mechanism <NUM> may be retractable. In some implementations, the retraction may be activated via a retraction mechanism <NUM>. In some aspects, the retraction may be actuated through manual rotation of the neck <NUM>. Through retracting the drying panels <NUM>, the drying mechanism <NUM> may enter a greater plurality of containers by accessing containers with narrow entry openings. In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism <NUM> may uniformly or selectively retract the drying panels <NUM>.

In some implementations, the drying material of the drying panels <NUM> may comprise a plurality of lengths. The predetermined lengths may be adjusted via retraction that allows for drying containers with a plurality of internal surfaces. As an example, the neck <NUM> of the drying mechanism <NUM> may retract the drying material for the narrow neck of a flower vase and then the same neck <NUM> may extend the drying panels <NUM> to dry the base of a wide mouth thermos, as a non-limiting example.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism <NUM> may comprise a locking mechanism, wherein the tip <NUM> remains stable with the drying mechanism <NUM>. The locking mechanism may comprise a button, snap-closure, or channel system, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of threaded shafts <NUM>, wherein one or more tips <NUM> may be attached.

Referring now to <FIG>, exemplary drying panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated. In some aspects, the drying panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise one or multiple shapes, sizes, materials, or any combination thereof. The diversity of shapes may be interchanged to improve the drying qualities of the drying mechanism for specific applications. In some implementations, the drying panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise two or more layers of drying panels <NUM>. These layers may allow the drying material to dry a range of containers, which may comprise a plurality of textures, materials, and shapes, as non-limiting characteristics.

In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may comprise stitching or other non-limiting composites that may provide structural support and rigidity to the drying panels <NUM>, as non-limiting attributes. As an example, the drying panels <NUM> may comprise a thicker thread that binds layers within the drying panels <NUM>. The thread may be intentionally placed along the center of the drying panels <NUM> to provide rigidity. This rigidity may allow the drying panels <NUM> to retain sufficient composition to maneuver into distal regions of a container that may contain moisture. In some implementations, the thread may be placed along the outer edges of the drying panels <NUM>.

In some aspects, the drying panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a plurality of materials, depending on what kind of liquids need to be absorbed. In some embodiments, the drying panels <NUM> may be offset and comprise one or more layers. In some aspects, the drying panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise one or more absorbent material, such as synthetic, organic, or natural materials. As a non-limiting example, the drying panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be texturized to both absorb liquid from and wipe dry a glass container.

For example, a thicker material may be used to absorb larger collections of liquid, whereas a thinner material may be used for less liquid. A plurality of materials may be used to absorb various liquids, such as water, milk, oil, chemicals, and other non-limiting examples.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a grip <NUM>. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM> coupled to the grip <NUM>. The neck <NUM> comprises a plurality of drying panels <NUM>. The neck <NUM> comprises a tip <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise an activation mechanism <NUM>, wherein an airway system is engaged. In some embodiments, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a hollow interior, wherein the airway system may be located. In some implementations, the airway system may extract fluid through the drying mechanism <NUM>. For example, the drying mechanism <NUM> may be able to suction fluid from the bottom of a container in addition to absorbing moisture with the plurality of drying panels <NUM>. This may allow for an even drier result than otherwise possible.

In some implementations, the tip <NUM> may comprise an opening, wherein air may enter the mechanism. In some aspects, the tip <NUM> may comprise a suction mechanism, wherein moisture may be extracted from a container. In some aspects, the suction mechanism may be activated using an activation mechanism <NUM> located on the grip <NUM>. In some aspects, the suction mechanism may be directly connected to the tip <NUM> of the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, the suction mechanism may extract remaining liquid within the container that may otherwise overwhelm the drying panels <NUM> of the drying mechanism <NUM> and prevent thorough drying of the interior of the container. In some implementations, the suction mechanism may pull fluid toward the drying panels <NUM>, allowing for more effective drying.

In some aspects, the tip <NUM> may activate the airway opening when the drying panels <NUM> begin their retraction into the neck <NUM> of the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the shaft <NUM> may comprise a ball valve, wherein the valve prevents airflow until the tip <NUM> retracts the drying panels <NUM> that may otherwise impede airflow from the drying mechanism <NUM>. For example, the airway of the drying mechanism <NUM> may remain closed while the airway system is inactive, but when the drying material of the drying panels <NUM> retract to a specific length the airway may then expel air or fluid, as non-limiting examples.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> comprising a sensor <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a grip <NUM>. In some implementations, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a shaft <NUM> coupled to the grip <NUM>. In some aspects, the neck <NUM> may comprise a plurality of drying panels <NUM>. In some implementations, the neck <NUM> may comprise a tip <NUM>. In some aspects, the tip <NUM> may comprise a sensor <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a light may be used at the end of the drying mechanism <NUM>, wherein the user may need visual clearance at the bottom of a container or other hard-to-reach areas. In some implementations, a light may be used to aid the sensor in revealing moist areas at the bottom of a container. In some aspects, the sensor <NUM> may notify the drying mechanism <NUM> of potential moist areas within a container.

For example, the corner of a container may have been missed by manual use of the drying mechanism <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may notify the user when the drying mechanism <NUM> encounters a moist area. In some embodiments, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise an audio source, wherein a noise may signal the user to a moist area. The sensor <NUM> may be useful if the interior of the container is not visible to the user.

In some implementations, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a vibration mechanism, wherein a moist area may indicate the sensor <NUM> to trigger the vibration mechanism in the drying mechanism <NUM>. The vibrations may indicate when the drying mechanism has come into contact with a moist nonvisible surface of the interior of the container, such as an opaque glass or dark surface.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a grip <NUM>. The drying mechanism <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> connects to the neck <NUM> via an attachment mechanism. The neck <NUM> comprises a tip. The neck <NUM> comprises a plurality of drying panels <NUM>.

In some aspects, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a rotation mechanism <NUM> that allows the neck <NUM> to rotate. In some embodiments, the neck <NUM> may rotate to accentuate the drying panels <NUM>. In some implementations, the grip <NUM> may comprise the rotation mechanism <NUM>, wherein the rotation of the neck <NUM> is activated by pressing or pulling it. In some aspects, the rotation mechanism <NUM> may allow for manual control of the drying mechanism <NUM> to ensure thorough drying of the container.

In some implementations, the rotation mechanism <NUM> may comprise a speed adjustment mechanism, wherein the speed of the drying mechanism <NUM> varies. In some aspects, the speed of the drying mechanism <NUM> may be adjusted incrementally or freely according to user customization. In some embodiments, rotation may be mechanically activated. As an example, a ripcord may protrude from the grip of the drying mechanism, thereby allowing for manual rotation of the drying panels <NUM>. In some aspects, rotation may be automatic and the drying mechanism <NUM> may require a power source, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery, as non-limiting examples.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary drying mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the external device <NUM> may act as a charging stand for the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some aspects, the drying mechanism <NUM> may interface with an external device <NUM> that may provide power to the drying mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, the external device <NUM> may comprise a port, wherein the drying mechanism <NUM> may be charged. In some aspects, the external device <NUM> may comprise a light, whereby it notifies of the drying mechanism <NUM> being fully charged. In some embodiments, the drying mechanism <NUM> may comprise a locking mechanism <NUM> to attach the drying mechanism <NUM> to the external device <NUM>.

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A portable drying mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a grip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to allow for gripping by a hand, wherein the grip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first grip end and a second grip end;
a shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first shaft end and a second shaft end, wherein the first shaft end is couplable to the second grip end;
a neck (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first neck end, wherein the first neck end is couplable to the second shaft end,
a second neck end, and
a plurality of drying panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to extend from the second neck end;
a tip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first tip end and a second tip end, wherein the first tip end is couplable to the second neck end; and
an attachment mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to couple the neck (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to one or both the second shaft end and the first tip end.