Screen cleaner and utensil container

Abstract

A screen cleaning and utensil container shaped to simulate a consumer product package is provided. The screen cleaning and utensil container includes a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, the body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, the top wall forming a top opening in connection with the internal compartment and at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen is connected to a portion of the surface. The screen cleaning and utensil container may also include a securing mechanism for removably connecting the device from another object

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of office supplies and more particularly to a shaped container adapted for cleaning a display screen and storing working utensils.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In almost every office, business and home setting writing pens, pencils, letter openers and other small “office” utensils are kept. These utensils are often found lying on working areas, in drawers or on the floor. Some more discerning people purchase decorative mounted pen and pencil sets and matching cup type utensil containers. For many others it is more convenient and economical to maintain their office utensils in a coffee mug so that they can move the holder around the working area as they spread working papers in the working area. It is therefore desired to provide a utensil container that can be maintained conveniently proximate the work area without interfering with the spreading of working materials.

[0003] Many of these working areas, whether they are a defined office area or home setting, include a computer or laptop having a monitor. As the availability of technology expands many other devices having display screens are becoming prevalent in work areas. These display screens may vary in construction and type. For example, those commonly having a glass surface such as in many computer monitors and televisions, or a flat panel screens that are plastic-like or other material for providing the display's active matrix screens and the like. Commonly, such display screens generally have an optical grade surface for providing minimally distorted visual information.

[0004] As most users have realized, these display screens have a tendency to collect dust due to location and/or static electricity. However, fewer and fewer display screens are being constructed of material such as the commonly known television grade glass that can be easily cleaned. This necessitates the need for cleaning the display screen without degrading the screen surface. Commonly used cleaning rags, such as scrap clothes, paper towels, handkerchiefs and the like, scratch the screen surface. Therefore, it is desired to provide a cleaning member that is economical and suited for cleaning modem display screens. It is a further desire to provide a cleaning member that can be kept readily available at the display screen.

[0005] Often it is desired by businesses to provide novelty items that carry advertising material thereon. For example, clocks or squeezable muscle relaxers may be given away at conventions or business functions that include a particular business name and/or logo and other useful information. Other more useful items such as pens, letter openers or magnets may be distributed. At times these items are sold in company shops or on the Internet. However, these items typically are throw a way items, or items that do not remain in a work area where they may be the most effective for advertising purposes. It is therefore desired to provide a novelty item that is representative of a consumer product in conjunction with providing a work area purpose.

[0006] It is therefore desired to provide a novel advertising item shaped to resemble a product having a use suited for a work area. It is further desired to provide a shape-imitating container having an accessible chamber adapted for holding utensils. It is a still further desire to provide a shape-imitating container having a cleaning member connected to an exterior thereof for cleaning a display screen. It is an additional desire to provide a shape-imitating container that may be connected to another object such as a display monitor when not being utilized.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is thus one feature of the present invention to provide a novel advertising item shaped to resemble a product having a use suited for a work area.

[0008] It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a shape-imitating container having an accessible chamber adapted for holding utensils.

[0009] It is a still further feature of the present invention to provide a shape-imitating container having a cleaning member connected to an exterior thereof for cleaning a display screen.

[0010] It is a still further feature of the present invention to provide a shape-imitating container that may be connected to another object such as a display monitor when not being utilized.

[0011] Accordingly, a screen cleaning and utensil container shaped to simulate a consumer product package is provided. The screen cleaning and utensil container includes a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, the body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, the top wall forming a top opening in connection with the internal compartment and at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen is connected to a portion of the surface.

[0012] The exterior surface may be constructed of various materials capable of maintaining a form simulating a product or product package. For example, the body may be formed to simulate a motor fluid container, beverage can or bottle, spice container, soup can or other product or product packaging.

[0013] The top wall of the body forms at least one opening into an internal container for storing items. The body may form more than one compartment. It may be desired to have a separate opening formed through a top or side wall into each compartment.

[0014] The screen cleaning and utensil container includes at least one display screen cleaning member. The screen cleaner member may be formed of numerous materials suitable for various screen types. It may be desired to utilize an optical grade cleaning member. It may be desired to include more than one cleaning member connected to the body. For example, it may be desired to have a bristle type cleaner and a chamois type cleaner that is more adapted to absorb fluid from the screen.

[0015] It may also be desired to include a securing mechanism for removably securing the screen cleaning and utensil container to an object such as a monitor, desk, file cabinet or the like.

[0016] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of the screen cleaner and utensil container of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top view of the screen cleaner and utensil container of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I of FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the screen cleaner and utensil container of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the screen cleaner and utensil container of FIG. 4;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of FIG. 4; and

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a monitor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several Figures.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front view of the screen cleaner and utensil container of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 10. Screen cleaner and utensil container 10 includes a shaped body 12 having an exterior surface 14, a cleaning element 16 and a connecting mechanism 17.

[0027] Shaped body 12 is constructed of a substantially rigid material so as to withstand use and avoid affecting the operation of adjacent electronic equipment. It is desired to utilize plastics due to availability and economics in production and shipping. Shaped body 12 is formed to simulate a desired consumer product and may be constructed in numerous known methods such as, but not limited to, injection molding and stamping. As shown in FIG. 1, shaped body 12 is constructed to simulate a fluid container that may contain motor oil or another type lubricant. Shaped body 12 may be formed to simulate any consumer package such as beverage containers, spice containers, milk packages and other product packages that are well recognized.

[0028] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, shaped container 12 includes sidewalls 18, bottom wall 20 and a top wall 22 forming the shaped body 12. As recognized from FIG. 1, sidewalls 18 may be formed in many configurations including sloped sections, opposing parallel walls, and/or arcuate sections forming an exterior surface 14 simulating a product package. Top wall 22 forms at least one opening 24 allowing access to a chamber 26 (FIGS. 2 and 3) formed within body 12.

[0029] A portion of exterior surface 14 may have indicia 28 placed and/or produced thereon. Indicia 28 may take many forms including logos, trademarks, office location and contact information, or other information desired to be presented to a holder of screen cleaner and utensil container 10.

[0030] Cleaning element 16 is connected along a portion of sidewall 18 of body 12. Cleaning element 16 may be connected to body 12 in many manners known to those in the relevant art(s) such as molding and adhesive. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 cleaning element 16 is a bristle type cleaning element for removing dust from a display screen 32 (FIG. 7). Cleaning element 16 may be formed of other materials that are suited for cleaning glass and desirably of an optical grade quality. Examples of these materials include leather, such as that made of sheepskin or lambskin, and known as chamois. Chamois is well recognized for its water absorbent properties and lens cleaning applications.

[0031] Screen cleaner and utensil container 10 may further include a removable securing mechanism 17 connected to exterior surface 14. Removable securing means 17 may be of the hook and fastener system of the type referred to by the trademark VELCRO. Securing mechanism may include other known securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to, snaps and an individual hook connectable to an individual loop. One portion of securing mechanism 17a is connected to body 12 and a corresponding securing mechanism 17b is connected to another object such as the side of a monitor 34 (FIG. 7). Most commonly 17a and 17b are connected by an adhesive.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of screen cleaner and utensil container 10 of the present invention. As shown, top openings 24 and 24a are formed through top wall 22 into chamber 26 and 26a respectively. Chamber 26 and top opening 24 provide means for storing utensils such as pens, pencils, letter openers and the like.

[0033] FIG. 2 further discloses a body 12 having two chambers 24 and 24 a formed thereon. It is apparent that more than one chamber 26 may be provided to accommodate the storage of various utensils.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates an interior wall 30 separating a first chamber 26 from a second chamber 26a. As illustrated, container 10 may be constructed to include more than one chamber 26, each chamber 26 in communication with another and/or separated.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an embodiment of screen cleaner and utensil container 10 of the present invention. Body 12 is formed to resemble a substantially cylindrical beverage can. Top wall 22 and bottom wall 20 having a smaller diameter than body 12 formed by sidewalls 18.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a top view of screen cleaner and utensil container 10. A top opening 24 is formed through top wall 22 accessing chamber 26. As shown in FIG. 5 only one chamber 26 is available, however additional interior walls 30 (FIG. 3) may be formed to defined separate chambers 26.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment utilizing two cleaning elements 16 and 16a. Cleaning element 16 is a bristle type cleaner adapted for cleaning dust off of a screen 32 (FIG. 7). Cleaning element 16a is a chamois type cleaning element that is more suited for absorbing fluids that may be on screen 32. Cleaning elements 16 and 16a may be used in conjunction, or either one may be utilized singularly as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates access to compartment 26 via top opening 24. FIG. 6 also illustrates chamber 26 extending from top wall 22 approximately to bottom wall 20. The depth of chamber 26 may vary depending on the overall dimensions of screen brush and utensil container 10.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a monitor 34 representative of the type used with a computer or terminal. Monitor 34 includes a display screen 32 carried by a housing 36. A releasable securing mechanism 17b is shown connected to housing 36.

[0040] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in relation to the illustrated embodiments it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A screen cleaning and utensil container comprising:

a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface;

said body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, said top wall forming a top opening in connection with said internal compartment; and

at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen connected to a portion of said exterior surface.

2. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

3. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

4. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

5. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 1, further including:

a first connecting member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and

a second corresponding connecting member in connection with another object for removably connecting said body to said object.

6. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 5, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

7. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 5, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

8. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 5, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

9. A screen cleaning and utensil container comprising:

a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface;

said body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, said top wall forming a top opening in connection with said internal compartment;

at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen connected to a portion of said exterior surface;

a first connecting member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and

a second corresponding connecting member in connection with another object for removably connecting said body to said object.

10. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 9, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

11. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 9, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

12. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 9, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

13. A screen cleaning and utensil container comprising:

a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface;

indicia positioned on a portion of said exterior surface;

said body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, said top wall forming a top opening in connection with said internal compartment;

at least a first cleaning member for cleaning a display screen connected to a portion of said exterior surface;

a first connecting member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and

a second corresponding connecting member in connection with another object for removably connecting said body to said object.

14. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 13, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

15. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 13, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

16. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 13, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

17. A method of making a shape imitating screen cleaning and utensil container comprising the steps of:

forming a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, said body forming at least one internal compartment for storing utensils accessible through a top opening defined by said top wall; and

connecting at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen to a portion of said exterior surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

21. The method of claim 17, further including:

a first connecting member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and

a second corresponding connecting member in connection with another object for removably connecting said body to said object.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

23. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 21, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

24. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 21, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

25. A method of making a shape imitating screen cleaning and utensil container comprising the steps of:

forming a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, said body forming at least one internal compartment for storing utensils accessible through a top opening defined by said top wall;

connecting at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen to a portion of said exterior surface;

connecting a first securing member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and

connecting a second securing member in connection with another object for removably connecting said body to said object.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.

29. A method of making a shape imitating screen cleaning and utensil container comprising the steps of:

forming a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, said body forming at least one internal compartment for storing utensils accessible through a top opening defined by said top wall;

forming indicia on a portion of said exterior surface;

connecting at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen to a portion of said exterior surface;

connecting a first securing member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and

connecting a second securing member in connection with another object for removably connecting said body to said object.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and

further including a second leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.