Systems and Methods for Cleaning Glassware
Removal of spots from glassware may benefit from various techniques and systems. For example, glassware may benefit from a steamer that can be configured to individually steam an item of glassware to remove unsightly spots caused by the drying of hard water, or similar causes. A system can include a steam generator configured to generate steam. The system can also include a distributor configured to apply the steam to an item of glassware. The system can further include an enclosure configured to support the item of glassware during steam application and retain the steam.
This application is related to and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/868,931, filed Aug. 22, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Field
Removal of spots from glassware may benefit from various techniques and systems. For example, glassware may benefit from a steamer that can be configured to individually steam an item of glassware to remove unsightly spots caused by the drying of hard water, or similar causes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Glassware that is spotted and/or dusty makes it unattractive to drink from. The only way to get rid of spots and/or dust on glassware is by either re-washing the glassware, or labor intensive wetting and hand drying with a towel. The glassware that is re-washed is full of water which takes lots of time and labor to dry.
Most glassware cannot go in the dishwasher due to the thin glass and/or thin glass stems that are often too tall and can break easily. Typically hand washing is the way people clean glassware, but spots remain. Glassware that has been sitting in cabinets and/or shelves over even small lengths of time, develop spots. Many homes as well as restaurants like to keep glassware already set on the table before use for function and decoration. These tend to develop spots and/or dust that collects.
Some dishwashers can create the same results, removing spots, but there usually is not enough room in the glass area for the size of the glasses and the stems, and they break easily. And the time it takes to wash an entire load just to get a clean glass is usually too time consuming, so people usually hand wash and dry again.
SUMMARYAccording to certain embodiments of the present invention, a system can include a steam generator configured to generate steam. The system can also include a distributor configured to apply the steam to an item of glassware. The system can further include an enclosure configured to support the item of glassware during steam application and retain the steam.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, a system can include a steam generator configured to generate steam. The system can also include a distributor configured to apply the steam to an item of glassware. The system can further include a rechargeable power system configured to permit the system to be portable. The system can be configured to steam a single item of glassware during application of the steam.
A method, in certain embodiments, can include removing spots from an item of glassware by utilizing either of the above-described systems.
For proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention may provide a steamer that can solve the labor intensive need to re-wash glassware. The system may create enough steam to saturate the surfaces of the glassware so that the glassware can be easily dried, such as by removing and wipe easily. Alternatively, or in addition, a dry unit can heat and dry all in one. The system can also have a portable option that can easily be brought to tables in restaurants or a home to clean and refresh the glassware quickly and easily. Although certain embodiments of the present invention may be used in bars and restaurants, certain embodiments of the invention can also be used in any kitchen without taking up much space.
A portable and countertop device can be used to steam, dry and/or sanitize and/or clean glassware with upgradable options. The vapor created in contact with the glassware surface can create a spot free finish. There can be a water reservoir that can contain the water that is heated and released through vents. Glassware can be put into the device and a user can push a button to release steam. The released steam can surround the interior and exterior of the glassware, thus steaming the glassware. Glassware can then be removed to hand dry with a towel. Alternatively, or in addition, a button can be pushed to trigger a fan that blows the steam off the glassware.
Another option is a button that can release a sanitizer in the water element that steams the glassware. Another option is a capsule or spray that holds a sanitizer that has a separate mechanism to release the sanitizer, either using a capsule or spray method.
There are various options for the system. One option is a countertop system. The other is a portable system that can be battery operated and charged by a docking station. The portable system may have an adjustable nozzle that creates steam into the glass, permitting hand drying after the steaming
The system can include a water reservoir (a) and a water pump with a water pump tube (b) operable connected to a steam dispenser head. The water reservoir can have an inlet for resupplying the reservoir with water. At least one inlet for the reservoir can be provided in a floor of the device, on which a glass can be supported. Thus, the floor on which the glass is supported may be made of a grill or mesh or may be provided with holes or vias that permit water flow into the reservoir. In this illustration, the glass is shown as spotted glassware (f), although other items could be placed into the system for steaming
The system may be provided with heating elements, such as heat coils (d) that can be configured to heat the water into steam. The heating elements are shown in the head of the device in
The head of the system is, in this illustration, provided with right angle elbow (e), which is configured to release the steam produced by heat coils (d). An exact 90 degree angle is not required, but a range of angles is permitted. For example, 90 degrees plus or minus 30 degrees could still be approximately a right angle in certain embodiments.
The system can also include a built in fan (c), which can be configured to blow air—for example, hot and/or dry air—onto the glassware. The air can be treated air or air from the surrounding area. Other drying mechanisms can also be included, as illustrated in
The system can also include a water reservoir 220, to hold water. In certain embodiments the water can be tap water, filtered water, or distilled water. In other embodiments, water can be mixed with some other ingredient to alter the characteristics of the steam.
The system can also include a steam distribution mechanism, which can include a tube 230 with holes configured to release steam. The system can further include a capsule housing 240 with air holes that permit the release of a sanitizing agent, configured to help sterilize the glassware, either alone or in combination with the steam.
The floor of the device may be plating 250 with air holes in it. These air holes may permit air and/or steam to escape from the reservoir. The air holes may also permit condensed water to return to the reservoir.
The system can further include a hook 260, attached to the back of the device, or some other convenient place, and configured to support a class upside down. For example, a hook can be configured to straddle the stem of the glassware and support the base, while the glassware is in an inverted position.
The system can include a portable device 320, including tubes 330 with holes in them and a battery 340 configured to operate the portable device 320 when detached.
The system can further include a water storage portion 350, which can serve as a reservoir for water, and a power cord 370 configured to plug into a power outlet for power. The system can also include a docking station 360, which can be used to supply water and power to portable device 320 using the water storage 350 and power cord 370. The portable device 320 may include its own reservoir, not shown, as well as heating elements to turn the water into steam when needed.
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One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system, comprising:
- a steam generator configured to generate steam;
- a distributor configured to apply the steam to an item of glassware; and
- an enclosure configured to support the item of glassware during steam application and retain the steam.
2. A system, comprising:
- a steam generator configured to generate steam;
- a distributor configured to apply the steam to an item of glassware; and
- a rechargeable power system configured to permit the system to be portable, wherein the system is configured to steam a single item of glassware during application of the steam.
3. A method, comprising:
- removing spots from an item of glassware by utilizing the system of claim 1.
4. A method, comprising:
- removing spots from an item of glassware by utilizing the system of claim 2.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 22, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 23, 2015
Inventors: Victoria Varnals (Oceanside, CA), Ryan Varnals (Oceanside, CA), Tyler Varnals (Oceanside, CA), Christopher Dollar (Oceanside, CA)
Application Number: 14/466,876
International Classification: A47L 15/00 (20060101); A47L 15/42 (20060101);