Cleaning Apparatus with Splash Shield

Abstract

A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle having a handle, a scrubbing portion, and a removable splash shield. The handle includes a grip portion and a channel for removably securing the splash shield to the handle. A plurality of bristles extend radially outward from a bristle stem to form a brush having a substantially cylindrical scrubbing portion. The removable splash shield functions as a shield to contain splashing while cleaning a bottle and when the user removes the scrubbing portion from the bottle. A smaller nipple brush is contained within the handle grip portion of the brush.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/656,277, filed Dec. 28, 2009, currently pending, which claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/203,630, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus used for cleaning containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved utensil for cleaning containers such as baby bottles and cups, including the internal surfaces thereof.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

The importance of proper hygiene when handling and cleaning infant feeding containers such as baby bottles cannot be overstated. Ideally, bottles should be thoroughly scrubbed with detergent, and thereafter sterilized between uses such as by immersion in boiling water or other similar process.

The use of bottle scrubbing brushes during the cleaning process is well known in the prior art. Such bottle brushes take many forms, but generally consist of a utensil having a shaft with a number of bristles secured at or near the distal end of said shaft. In most cases, such bristles radiate outwardly from the shaft to provide a cleaning brush that can be inserted into the interior of a bottle to be cleaned.

To scrub most effectively, the cleaning surfaces of the brush should be pressed firmly against the inside wall of a baby bottle. The larger the brush, the more such scrubbing pressure tends to be created when the brush is constrained within the bottle. Unfortunately, articles such as baby bottles have relatively narrow mouths or openings, and brushes must be passed through such restricted openings in order to fit within and access the inner surfaces of such bottles.

Accordingly, the need arose for a bottle brush (and, more particularly, the bristles of such brush) capable of compressing to pass easily through a narrowed opening of a bottle, while still generating sufficient expansive force for effectively scrubbing the interior surfaces of such bottle. Flexible brushes are desirable for combining the benefits of compressibility with the expansive force of a larger brush. Although flexible brushes are generally efficient utensils for scrubbing the interior of baby bottles, these articles present several difficulties in practice.

One very significant disadvantage resulting from the compressibility of flexible brushes is the resulting spray caused by the expansion of bristles as such brushes are withdrawn through a restricted bottle opening. The rapid expansion of a brush (and, more particularly, the flexing of the bristles) as a brush is removed from a bottle opening creates a spray capable of inadvertently contaminating sterile containers and/or clean surfaces across significant distances. Such spray can also spread to a person cleaning a bottle and/or the surrounding environment. For this reason, a need still exists in the art for a brush which will overcome known problems associated with cleaning bottles and other containers with conventional brushes.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus, for cleaning articles such as baby bottles. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus that can generate sufficient expansive bristle force for scrubbing against the wall of a bottle when positioned within such bottle, yet can pass easily through a restricted opening of such bottle for insertion and removal. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus having a splash shield to prevent inadvertent contamination of people or objects in the vicinity of such apparatus.

The present invention provides a bottle brush apparatus having a splash shield removeably secured to a handle, wherein such splash shield surrounds a scrubbing portion at the end of the handle. The scrubbing portion includes a plurality of radially extending bristles disposed along the length of a bristle stem. The splash shield operates to contain any splashing caused during insertion of the scrubbing portion into, and withdrawal from, a container such as a baby bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention partially inserted in a baby bottle along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention partially inserted in a baby bottle.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention with the flexible splash shield flipped back to expose the brush of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a side, partially exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of cleaning apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cleaning apparatus 100 generally comprises brush assembly 10 and splash shield assembly 20.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, brush assembly 10 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate central member 11 having a first end 11a and a second end 11b. Said elongate central member 11 has a longitudinal axis, as well as a circumference about said longitudinal axis. Handle grip 12 is disposed generally near end 11a of said elongate central member 11, while bristle stem 13 is disposed generally near the opposite end (end 11b) of said elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Handle 12 is preferably molded as a one piece member using a rigid, durable polymer material.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of flexible bristles 30 are affixed to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets and collectively define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape, and is sized and configured so as to be able to efficiently scrub the inside of a container such as a baby bottle. Bristles 30 are preferably made of a flexible material so that said bristles 30 bend and/or compress to minimize interference when bristle stem 13 is inserted or withdrawn through the opening of a container (such as, for example, a baby bottle). After insertion into a bottle or other container, said bristles can further beneficially expand to exert force against the interior surface of such container during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 has a generally elongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 27 and lower section 28. Said splash shield assembly 20 is generally tapered, such that said splash shield assembly 20 is wider at its bottom and narrower at its top. Relatively wider lower section 28 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over short, wide bottles, while relatively thin upper section 27 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over long, thin bottles.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 further includes lower aperture 21 defining bottom rim 25, and upper aperture 22 defining upper rim 26. Said splash shield assembly 20 is preferably made of a pliable yet substantially rigid material embodying a one piece design. Splash shield assembly 20 further defines inner surface 23 and outer surface 24, and is preferably constructed using a substantially transparent material that permits objects contained within said splash shield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

In the preferred embodiment, lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit a container (such as a baby bottle) to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 is beneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 26 can be received within channel 14 to removably secure splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has sufficient elasticity to permit said upper aperture 22 to stretch around the circumference of handle grip portion 12 of elongate central member 11, yet sufficient rigidity to support cleaning apparatus 100 in an upright position when said apparatus is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (such as, for example, in a sink or on a kitchen counter).

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention. Brush assembly 10 includes elongate central member 11 having handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. Channel 14 (partially obscured from view in FIG. 2) is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13, and extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11.

A plurality of bristles 30 are anchored to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets, and collectively define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Bristles 30 are preferably constructed of a flexible material as noted above.

Splash shield assembly 20 generally has lower aperture 21 and upper aperture 22, as well as inner surface 23 and outer surface 24. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of splash shield assembly 20 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20, such that said bristles will not extend below bottom rim 25. Brush assembly 10 is received within upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 forms upper rim 26 that is beneficially sized and configured to be received within channel 14 of brush assembly 10 in order to removably secure said splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11. In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 is transparent, so that bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 are visible from outside said splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention. Brush assembly 10 includes elongate central member 11 having handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. Channel 14 (partially obscured from view in FIG. 3) is beneficially positioned at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13, and extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. A plurality of bristles 30 extends radially outward from bristle stem 13 of elongate central member 11. Bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets, and define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Splash shield assembly 20 is removably secured to brush assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, brush assembly 10 is disposed through upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20, with upper rim 26 being received within channel 14. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the base of brush assembly 10 does not extend below bottom rim 25 of said splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention. Brush assembly 10 includes handle grip 12. A plurality of bristles 30 extend radially outward from bristle stem 13 (obscured from view in FIG. 4). In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets that are relatively narrow at their base 31 (near bristle stem 13), and flared wider at outer extent 32. Said bristles 30 define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Transparent splash shield assembly 20 generally contains bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention. Elongate central member 11 (obscured from view in FIG. 5) defines bristle stem 13. Bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets that are relatively narrow at base 31 (near bristle stem 13), and flared wider at outer extent 32. Said bristles 30 define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Transparent splash shield assembly 20 generally contains bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 6 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention partially inserted within baby bottle 40 along line 6-6 of FIG. 4. Bristles 30 contact inner surface 42 of baby bottle 40 and provide sufficient expansive force for scrubbing against such inner surface 42 of bottle 40 when bristles 30 are positioned within bottle 40. Such bristles 30 can flex to pass through restricted opening 41 of bottle 40.

Brush assembly 10 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate central member 11 having first end 11a and second end 11b. Said elongate central member 11 has a longitudinal axis, as well as a circumference about said longitudinal axis. Handle grip 12 is disposed generally near end 11a of said elongate central member 11, while bristle stem 13 is disposed generally near the opposite end (end 11b) of said elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Handle grip 12 is preferably molded as a one piece member using a rigid, durable polymer material.

A plurality of flexible bristles 30 are affixed to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. Bristles 30 are preferably made of a flexible material so that said bristles 30 compress to minimize interference when bristle stem 13 is inserted or withdrawn through restricted opening 41 of bottle 40. After insertion into bottle 40, flexible bristles 30 beneficially expand to contact and exert force against interior surface 42 of bottle 40 during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 has a generally elongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 27 and lower section 28. Said splash shield assembly 20 is generally tapered, such that said splash shield assembly 20 is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. Generally wider lower section 28 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over short, wide bottles, while generally thin upper section 27 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over long, thin bottles (such as bottle 40 depicted in FIG. 6).

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 further includes lower aperture 21 defining bottom rim 25, and upper aperture 22 defining upper rim 26. Said splash shield assembly 20 is preferably made of a pliable yet substantially rigid material embodying a one piece design. Splash shield assembly 20 further defines inner surface 23 and outer surface 24, and is preferably constructed using a substantially transparent material that permits objects contained within said splash shield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

Lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit baby bottle 40 to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 is beneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 26 can be received within channel 14 to removably secure splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has sufficient elasticity to permit said upper aperture 22 to stretch around the circumference of handle grip portion 12 of elongate central member 11.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6. Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Upper rim 26 formed by upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of elongate central member 11 in the immediate vicinity of channel 14. When upper rim 26 is received within channel 14, splash shield assembly 20 is removably secured to elongate member 11. However, upper aperture 22 has sufficient elasticity so that upper rim 26 can be made to stretch and pull out of groove 14 when removal of splash shield assembly 20 from brush assembly 10 is desired.

FIG. 8 depicts a side section view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention partially inserted in baby bottle 40 during cleaning of said baby bottle 40. Bristles 30 contact inner surface 42 of baby bottle 40 and provide sufficient force for scrubbing against such inner surface 42 of bottle 40 when bristles 30 are positioned within bottle 40. Such bristles 30 can partially collapse to pass through restricted opening 41 of bottle 40, then expand after passing through opening 41 of bottle 40.

Handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material. Application of lateral force to handle grip 12 can force lower end 11b of elongate central member (and, more particularly, a number of bristles 30) against an inner surface 42 of bottle 40 for improved scrubbing.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Upper rim 26 formed by upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of elongate central member 11 in the immediate vicinity of channel 14 (that is, immediately above and below channel 14). When upper rim 26 is received within channel 14, splash shield assembly 20 is removably secured to elongate member 11.

Lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to contain bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit baby bottle 40 to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. During cleaning of bottle 40, brush assembly 10 can be reciprocated within bottle 40; splash shield assembly 20 contains any splashing of liquids or other debris or substances caused during the scrubbing process, as well as during insertion of the scrubbing portion into bottle 40 and/or withdrawal from said bottle 40.

FIG. 9. depicts a side view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention with flexible splash shield assembly 20 flipped back to expose bristles 30 of the present invention. In this position, upper rim 26 is received within channel 14 to keep splash shield 20 secured to brush assembly 10. Bristles 30 and inner surface 23 of splash shield assembly 20 are exposed and easily accessible, such as for cleaning.

FIG. 10 depicts an exploded perspective view of alternative cleaning assembly 200 of the present invention. Cleaning assembly 200 generally comprises brush assembly 210 and splash shield assembly 220. Brush assembly 210 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate central member 211 having an upper end 211a, and bristle stem 213.

A plurality of flexible bristles 230 are affixed to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stern 213. In the preferred embodiment, bristles 230 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets and collectively define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape, and is sized and configured so as to be able to efficiently scrub the inside of a container such as a baby bottle. Bristles 230 are preferably made of a flexible material so that said bristles 230 bend and/or compress to minimize interference when bristle stem 213 is inserted or withdrawn through the opening of a container (such as, for example, a baby bottle). After insertion into a bottle or other container, said bristles can further beneficially expand to exert force against the interior surface of such container during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 220 has a generally elongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 227 and lower section 228. Said splash shield assembly 220 is generally tapered, such that said splash shield assembly 220 is wider at its bottom and narrower at its top. Relatively wider lower section 228 permits said splash shield assembly 220 to fit over short, wide bottles, while relatively thin upper section 227 permits said splash shield assembly 220 to fit over long, thin bottles.

Splash shield assembly 220 further includes a lower aperture defining bottom rim 225, and an upper aperture defining upper rim 226. Splash shield assembly 220 is preferably made of a pliable yet rigid material embodying a one piece design. Splash shield assembly 220 further defines inner surface 223 and outer surface 224, and is preferably constructed using a substantially transparent material that permits objects contained within said splash shield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

Said lower aperture of splash shield 220 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 230 of brush assembly 210, as well as to permit a container (such as a baby bottle) to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 220. Said upper aperture of splash shield 220 is beneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 226 can be received within channel 214 to removably secure said splash shield assembly 220 to elongate member 211. Upper rim 226 formed by upper aperture of splash shield assembly 220 has sufficient elasticity to permit said upper rim 220 to stretch around the circumference of elongate central member 211, yet sufficient rigidity to support cleaning apparatus 200 in an upright position when said apparatus is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (such as, for example, in a sink or on a kitchen countertop).

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, elongate central member 211 has threads 215 disposed near upper end 211a. Nipple brush stem 216 extends from said threads 215, while bristles 217 extend radially outward from said brush stem 216. In the preferred embodiment, brush stem 216 is stiff, yet capable of partial deflection. Bristles 217 can be beneficially sized and configured to fit within inner portions of conventional baby bottle nipples. Such configuration can include, without limitation, a tapered brush shape having a larger diameter at its base and smaller diameter near its distal end or tip.

Substantially hollow handle grip member 240 has lower threaded section 241 (adapted to mate and threadedly connect with threads 215 of elongate member 211), outer surface 242 and inner surface 243 defining an inner chamber or void. Optional drain ports 244 can extend through said handle grip member 240 from inner surface 242 to outer surface 243. Handle grip member 240 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material. Cap member 250 has outer surface 252 and inner surface 253 defining an inner chamber or void. Cap member 250 can also include lower snap extension or shoulder 251.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10. Brush assembly 210 includes elongate central member 211 having bristle stem 213. Channel 214 (partially obscured from view in FIG. 11) is beneficially positioned at a desired position along elongate central member 211. A plurality of bristles 230 extends radially outward from bristle stem 213 of elongate central member 211. Bristles 230 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets, and define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

When assembled, lower threaded section 241 of handle grip member 240 mates and threadedly connects with threads 215 of elongate member 211. Channel 214 is situated near the connection interface between handle grip member 240 and elongate member 211. Lower snap extension or shoulder 251 of cap member 250 forms a frictional connection with inner surface 243 of handle grip member 240, thereby removably securing said cap member 250 to the top of handle grip member 240.

The inner chambers of said substantially hollow handle grip member 240 and cap member 250 are substantially aligned to form a substantially continuous void space. Nipple brush stem 216 extends though said inner chamber of said substantially hollow grip member 240, and partially into the inner chamber of cap member 250, As depicted in FIG. 11, nipple brush bristles 217 are disposed within the inner void space of installed cap member 250.

Splash shield assembly 220 is removably secured to brush assembly 210. In the preferred embodiment, brush assembly 210 is disposed through the upper aperture of splash shield assembly 220, with upper rim 226 of splash shield assembly 220 being received within said circumferential channel 214 of brush assembly 210. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the base of brush assembly 210 (that is, lowermost end of bristles 230) does not extend below bottom rim 225 of said splash shield assembly 220, thereby permitting said cleaning assembly 200 to stand upright on a substantially horizontal surface.

Alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 of the present invention can be stored until use is required; if desired, said cleaning assembly 200 can stand upright on a convenient surface (typically near a washing area) such as in a recessed sink or countertop. When in use, cleaning apparatus 200 of the present invention partially inserted into a baby bottle during cleaning of said baby bottle as described. Bristles 230 contact the inner surfaces of said baby bottle and provide sufficient contact force for scrubbing against such inner surface of said baby bottle when bristles 230 are positioned within said baby bottle. Such bristles 230 can partially collapse to pass through a restricted opening of such baby bottle, and thereafter expand after passing through said opening.

In addition to permitting cleaning of internal surfaces of baby bottles, alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 of the present invention also permits easy and efficient cleaning of conventional baby bottle nipples and bottle caps. Specifically, cap 250 can be quickly and easily removed to expose brush bristles 217. Said nipple brush bristles 217 can then be used to scrub or otherwise clean surfaces of conventional baby bottle nipples, including internal surfaces thereof which can frequently be difficult to reach. If desired, a user can grip said cleaning assembly 200 by gripping (and partially collapsing) splash shield 220. Cap 250 can then be replaced to cover and protect said bristles 217.

Various components of alternative embodiment cleaning assembly 200 can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning, which is particularly important when said assembly is used on or in connection with baby bottles. Handle grip member 240 can be unscrewed or otherwise disconnected from brush assembly 210, permitting easy removal of splash shield 220. Cap 250 can likewise be removed from handle grip member 240. All of said components can be separately cleaned (whether by hand or in an automated dishwasher or other appliance) and thereafter reassembled for later use.

Design features of the present invention permit efficient drainage of residual water or moisture following use (wherein water is typically used to scrub baby bottles, nipples or other items) or cleaning of alternative embodiment assembly 200. Because brush assembly 210 (including, without limitation, bristles 230) does not extend beyond bottom rim 225 of splash shield 220, said brush assembly 210 need not be retracted or otherwise adjusted for the cleaning assembly of the present invention to stand upright (such as in a recessed sink or kitchen counter). Further, bottom rim 225 at the base of splash shield 220 is flared outward to permit water or moisture to drain off of the outer surface of splash shield 220 and away from cleaning assembly 200. Any residual water or moisture on nipple brush bristles 217 or otherwise present within handle member 240 can drain through drain ports 244. Water or moisture retained on bristles 230 or inner surface 223 of splash shield 220 can evaporate through optional evaporation ports 229 extending through said splash shield depicted in FIG. 11.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle comprising:

a. a brush assembly comprising: i) a handle; ii) a bristle stem having a top, a bottom and a length, connected to said handle; iii) a plurality of bristles affixed to said bristle stem;

b. a flexible splash shield having an upper end defining an aperture, a base and at least one evaporation port extending through said splash shield, wherein said brush assembly is disposed through said aperture of said splash shield, and said base extends beyond the bottom of said brush assembly and bristles, and flares radially outward.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bristles comprise a plurality of bristle sets coupled to said bristle stem and extending radially outward from said bristle stem.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bristle stem and bristles are adapted to be insertable into the interior of a bottle.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein said bristle sets extend from said bristle stem in a substantially cylindrical configuration.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said splash shield defines an interior space adapted to at least partially surround a bottle in a shielded position.

6. An apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle comprising:

a. a brush assembly comprising: i) a substantially hollow handle defining an inner chamber; ii) a nipple brush at least partially disposed within said inner chamber of said handle; iii) a bristle stem having a top, a bottom and a length, connected to said handle; iv) a plurality of bristles affixed to said bristle stem;

b. a flexible splash shield having an upper end defining an aperture, a base and at least one evaporation port extending through said splash shield, wherein said brush assembly is disposed through said aperture of said splash shield, and said base extends beyond the bottom of said brush assembly and bristles, and flares radially outward.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein said bristles comprise a plurality of bristle sets coupled to said bristle stem and extending radially outward from said bristle stem.

8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein said bristle stem and bristles are adapted to be insertable into the interior of a bottle.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein said bristle sets extend from said bristle stem in a substantially cylindrical configuration.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein said splash shield defines an interior space adapted to at least partially surround a bottle in a shielded position.

11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a removable cap at least partially covering said nipple brush.

12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one drain port extending from said inner chamber of said handle to an outer surface of said handle.

13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein said nipple brush has a lower end and an upper end, and is wider at said lower end than said upper end.