REUSABLE STRAW HOLDER FOR DISHWASHER

Abstract

A reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher is provided. The holder (hereinafter referred to as the “assembly”) is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws. Each of the funnel portions includes a funnel base to direct water and soap into the body of the reusable straw and a variable diameter neck portion to hold the reusable straw during the cleaning process.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/796,615 filed on Jan. 25, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to a household cleaning apparatus and, more specifically, a holding apparatus for holding reusable straws for cleaning in a household dishwasher.

BACKGROUND

Commonly known drinking straws are comprised of a small pipe that allows its user to more conveniently consume a beverage. Traditionally, a thin tube of paper, plastic (such as polypropylene and polystyrene), or other similar material is used. For environmental reasons, it is becoming increasingly more common to utilize reusable drinking straws comprised of plastic, metal, glass or other similarly resilient and durable materials in various lengths and diameters.

However, as with all reusable products, reusable straws must be cleaned. Various known cleaning methods for cleaning reusable straws include soaking or use of a small brush or pipe cleaner to clean the interior of the straw. However, these methods are time consuming and often ineffective.

Accordingly, a need exists for alternative cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning reusable straws.

SUMMARY

The present specification generally relates to a reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher. The holder is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws.

A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device having a plurality of interconnected funnel portions, each of the funnel portions includes a funnel and a neck, the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws, and the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw. In some embodiments, the plurality of interconnected funnels are connected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.

A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device having at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck, the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws, and the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw. In some embodiments, a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.

A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device having at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck, the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end configured to accommodate a reusable straw, and the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw. In some embodiments, a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the device further includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the assembly installed in a dishwasher according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts an elevational view of the assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrating the flow of water through the assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein described is a device for easily washing one or a plurality of reusable straws in a dishwasher. The device includes at least one funnel portion connected to a neck portion. The neck portion is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during a cleaning cycle in a dishwasher. The neck portion is tapered so as to accommodate different sized straws therein. The device includes securing portions to connect the device to the prongs of a dishwasher.

FIG. 1 generally depicts a reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher. The holder (hereinafter referred to as the “assembly”) is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws. Each of the funnel portions includes a funnel base to direct water and soap into the body of the reusable straw and a variable diameter neck portion to hold the reusable straw during the cleaning process.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an assembly 100 is provided having a plurality of funnel portions 104 having a funnel 102 and a variable diameter neck 106. The assembly 100 further includes a securing member 108 configured to connect directly to a spoke or other structure within a dishwasher. A reusable straw is positioned within the variable diameter neck 106 to hold and secure the reusable straw during the washing process. The variable diameter neck 106 includes a variable diameter so as to accommodate different sized straws during the washing process. The funnel 102 includes a distal end having a significantly larger diameter as compared to the neck 106 so as to facilitate movement of water into the inner body of a reusable straw.

The assembly 100 further includes a securing member 108 to secure the assembly 100 to a dishwasher. The securing member 108 protrudes away from the base of the assembly and includes a circular aperture configured to connect directly to a prong 204 of a dishwasher 200. The dishwasher 200 includes a plurality of prongs 204 connected to a base 202. The prongs 204 are generally vertical to as to easily allow the securing member 108 to connect thereto. A secondary securing member 111 is provided opposite of the securing member 308. The securing member 111 includes a first prong 111A and a second prong 111B have a space 113 disposed therebetween. The space 113 configured to accept a prong 204 and configured to flex apart from each other when a dishwasher prong is positioned there between.

In other embodiments, the securing member may be a hook or other loop configured to connect directly to a dishwasher prong or support member. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include both a loop and a pair of prongs to allow the user to choose which connection means works best in their dishwasher or to allow the user to use both connection means.

In this embodiment, a portion of the funnel assembly 104 is angled so as to facilitate movement of water 206 up the interior body of the reusable straw 500.

The inside of the neck 106 includes an upper diameter D-1 and a lower diameter D-2. In this embodiment, D-1 is larger as compared to D-2. The inner diameter of the neck 306 gradually decreases from D-1 to D-2 (thereby tapering) so as to accommodate straws having various outer diameters within the neck 106. The reusable straw 500 is positioned into the neck 106 at the opening 110.

FIG. 3 depicts the cross-sectional view of the assembly 100. The assembly 100 includes the plurality of funnels 102 each having a bottom opening 112. The opening 112 of the funnel 102 includes an inner surface 114. The opening 112 and inner surface 114 are configured to direct water and/or soap used within the dishwasher into the funnel and up through a reusable straw positioned within the neck 106.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the assembly 100 containing a straw 500. The assembly 100 is positioned within the dishwasher 200. The straw 500 is positioned directly into the neck of the assembly and secured therein. The user securely positions the straw 500 into the neck of the assembly by pushing the straw into the neck until it is secured. The straw is positioned into the opening 116 of the neck 106.

In other embodiments, a single funnel apparatus is provided. In this embodiment, a single funnel portion is provided so as to clean a single straw in a dishwasher. The single funnel includes all of the same elements of the funnel portions as herein described and as illustrated by the appended drawings except that the apparatus only provides a funnel portion in the singular.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device comprising:

a plurality of interconnected funnel portions, each of the funnel portions includes a funnel and a neck;

the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws; and

the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of interconnected funnels are connected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the device includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.

5. A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device comprising:

at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck;

the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end having a larger diameter as compared to the proximal end so as to accommodate various sizes of reusable straws; and

the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the device includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher.

8. The device of claim 5 wherein the device includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.

9. A device for cleaning at least one reusable straw in a dishwasher, the device comprising:

at least one funnel portion, the funnel portion having a funnel and a neck;

the neck of the funnel portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to the funnel, the distal end configured to accommodate a reusable straw; and

the funnel of the funnel portion having a distal end configured to direct water into the neck and subsequently into the interior of the at least one reusable straw.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein a plurality of funnels are interconnected together at a predetermined angle, the angle facilitating the flow of water through the funnel and the neck.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the device includes at least one securing member, the securing member extending away from the funnel portion, the securing member having an aperture configured to fit around a prong in a dishwasher.

12. The device of claim 9 wherein the device includes at least one securing portion, the securing portion having two portions extending away from the funnel portion, the two portions spaced apart so as to accept a prong of a dishwasher.