STEMWARE CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

Implementations of a stemware cleaning device are provided. In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device comprises a handle, a slotted sponge, and a soap dispensing mechanism. In some implementations, a method for using the stemware cleaning device comprises filling the stemware cleaning device with a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware, positioning the stemware cleaning device on an item of stemware, dispensing the soap or other suitable content from the stemware cleaning device, and cleaning the stemware with the stemware cleaning device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/803,478, which was filed on Feb. 9, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a stemware cleaning device for effectively cleaning stemware such as wine glasses.

BACKGROUND

Stemmed glassware or stemware, such as wine glasses shown in FIG. 1A, can be difficult to effectively clean. For example, stemware can be difficult to effectively clean around the rim of the stemware or without causing damage to the stemware such as scratching.

Existing cleaning brushes used for stemware usually consist of or are similar to a bottle cleaner, such as shown in FIG. 1B, which is specifically made for cleaning baby bottles. Such existing cleaning brushes include a handle on one end and bristles followed by a sponge on the other end.

However, the bristles on such existing cleaning brushes are too coarse for cleaning delicate stemware without scratching the stemware. Existing cleaning brushes also do not include means to dispense soap. Furthermore, existing cleaning brushes are not designed to effectively clean the rim of stemware.

Therefore, a cleaning brush or similar device does not exist for specifically cleaning stemware without causing damage such as scratching. Furthermore, such a cleaning device does not exist that also has means for dispensing soap and that is designed to clean the rim of stemware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates example stemware such as wineglasses.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example existing cleaning brush such as baby bottle cleaner used to clean stemware.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of an example stemware cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section view of the stemware cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the stemware cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example use of the stemware cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example use of the stemware cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a stemware cleaning device are provided. In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device comprises a handle, a slotted sponge (“sponge”), and a soap dispensing mechanism.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device is configured to clean stemware without causing damage to the stemware such as scratching.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device is configured to dispense a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware using the stemware cleaning device.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device is configured to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of stemware.

In some implementations, a method for using the stemware cleaning device comprises filling the stemware cleaning device with a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware. In some implementations, the method comprises positioning the stemware cleaning device on an item of stemware. In some implementations, the method comprises dispensing the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware from the stemware cleaning device. In some implementations, the method comprises cleaning the stemware with the stemware cleaning device.

FIG. 1A illustrates examples of stemmed glassware or stemware 10, such as wineglasses. Stemware 10 can be difficult to effectively clean. For example, stemware 10 can be difficult to effectively clean around the rim 10a and adjacent areas inside and outside of the stemware 10. Stemware 10 can also be difficult to effectively clean without causing damage to the stemware, 10 such as scratching.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example existing cleaning brush 20 used to clean stemware 10. Such existing cleaning brushes 20 usually consist of or are similar to a bottle cleaner. For example, the existing cleaning brush 20 shown in FIG. 1B is specifically made for cleaning baby bottles.

As shown in FIG. 1B, existing cleaning brushes 20 include a handle 20a on one end and bristles 20b followed by a sponge 20c on the other end. However, the bristles 20b on the existing cleaning brushes 20 are too coarse for cleaning delicate stemware 10 without scratching the stemware 10. Existing cleaning brushes 20 also do not include means to dispense soap. Furthermore, existing cleaning brushes 20 are not designed to effectively clean the rim 10a and adjacent areas inside and outside of stemware 10.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a perspective view, a cross section view, and an exploded view, respectively, of an implementation of an example stemware cleaning device 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 comprises a handle 102, a slotted sponge (“sponge”) 106, and a soap dispensing mechanism 110.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the handle 102 comprises a first side 102a, a second side 102b, a distal end 102c, and a proximal end 102d.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the handle 102 extends elongated between the distal end 102c and the proximal end 102d. In some implementations, the handle 102 extends curved between the distal end 102c and the proximal end 102d.

In some implementations, the handle 102 is cylindrical. In some implementations, the handle 102 may be semi-cylindrical.

In some implementations, the handle 102 may have any other suitable shape.

In some implementations, the handle 102 also forms the body of the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the first side 102a of the handle 102 is configured to allow a user to hold the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the first side 102a of the handle 102 is configured to allow a user to use the stemware cleaning device 100 to clean stemware, such as the stemware 10 shown in FIG. 1A.

In some implementations, the first side 102a may be configured to allow any other suitable use of the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the second side 102b of the handle 102 is configured to hold the sponge 106, as discussed below.

In some implementations, the second side 102b may be configured to hold any other suitable components of the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the distal end 102c of the handle 102 is on the second side 102b of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the proximal end 102d of the handle 102 is on the first side 102a of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the handle 102 is also configured to hold the soap dispensing mechanism 110, as discussed below.

In some implementations, the handle 102 may be configured to hold any other suitable components of the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the handle 102 is composed of a plastic material. In some implementations, the handle 102 may be composed of any other suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the sponge 106 is attached to the handle 102 adjacent to the distal end 102c of the handle 102 on the second side 102b. In some implementations, the sponge 106 is attached around the perimeter of the handle 102 adjacent to the distal end 102c.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 may be attached to the handle 102 at any other suitable part or location of the handle 102.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the sponge 106 has a barrel shape (i.e., has an exterior shape that is the same or similar to a barrel or cask container). That is, in some implementations, the sponge 106 may have a barrel or truncated prolate spheroid shape (i.e., circular ends with a convex or outward-bulging cylindrical surface extending from each end to a maximum diameter at or about midway between).

In some implementations, the sponge 106 may have a spherical or semi-spherical shape. In some implementations, the sponge 106 may have an elongated spheroidal shape, e.g. similar to the shape of a football. In some implementations, the sponge 106 may have an elongated cylindrical shape, e.g. similar to the shape of a can.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 may have any other suitable shape.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 is configured to position on the inside and the outside of stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware, e.g. similar to the inside 10b, outside 10c, and rim 10a of the stemware 10 shown in FIG. 5 described below. In some implementations, this positioning allows the stemware cleaning device 100 to be used to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of the stemware.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the sponge 106 comprises a channel 106a that allows the sponge 106 to be positioned on stemware 10 as described above.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the channel 106a extends (e.g., lengthwise) from the distal end 106c of the sponge 106 at least partially into the sponge 106 toward the proximal end 106d.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the sponge channel 106a extends (e.g., widthwise) across the diameter of the sponge. In some implementations, the sponge channel 106a may extend widthwise across the sponge 106 in any other suitable configuration.

In some implementations, the channel 106a may be the same or similar to a slit or cut (e.g., having a more narrow opening) into the sponge 106. In some implementations, the channel 106a may be the same or similar to a slot (e.g., having a wider opening) into the sponge 106.

In some implementations, the channel 106a may have any other suitable configuration (e.g., any other suitable sized opening) such that the channel 106a allows the sponge 106 to be positioned on the inside and the outside of stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the sponge channel 106a may be planar shaped. In some implementations, the sponge channel 106a may be V-shaped. In some implementations, the sponge channel 106a may be notch shaped.

In some implementations, the sponge channel 106a may be any other suitable shape such that the channel 106a allows the sponge 106 to be positioned on the inside and the outside of stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware as described herein.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 may comprise any other suitable feature that allows the sponge 106 to be positioned to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of stemware.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 may comprise a spring action. In some implementations, the spring action allows the sponge 106 to cling to the inside and the outside of stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware. In some implementations, the spring action thereby allows the stemware cleaning device 100 to be used to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of the stemware.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 may comprise any other suitable feature that allows the sponge 106e to cling to the inside and the outside of stemware adjacent to the rim to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of stemware.

In some implementations, the sponge 106 is configured to not scratch or otherwise damage stemware, such as the stemware 10 shown in FIG. 1A. For example, in some implementations, the sponge 106 is composed of a material that will not scratch or otherwise damage the stemware.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the sponge 106 is removable from the handle 102. For example, in some implementations, the sponge 106 may be removable to clean, replace, or otherwise use the sponge 106.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the sponge 106 comprises a plastic (or other suitable material) connecting insert 106e. In some implementations, the insert 106e is configured to allow the sponge 106 to be attached to and removed from the dispensing nozzle 110f of the soap dispensing mechanism 110, described below, to thereby attach and remove the sponge 106 from the handle 102.

In some implementations, the insert 106e is cylindrical or otherwise suitable shaped to mate with and attach to the dispensing nozzle 110f.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the insert 106e inserts into an opening extending from the proximal end 106d at least partially into the sponge 106 toward the distal end 106c (i.e., opposite the channel 106a).

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 comprises a reservoir (or chamber) 110a, a fill opening 110b, a dispensing opening 110c, and a dispensing button 110d. In some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 also comprises a button opening 110e. As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 also comprises a dispensing opening nozzle 110f and a fill opening cap 110g.

In some implementations, the reservoir 110a is contained within the handle 102. In some implementations, the reservoir 110a is an interior cavity or chamber formed within the handle 102.

In some implementations, the reservoir 110a extends within the handle 102 at least partially between the distal end 102c and the proximal end 102d of the handle 102. For example, in some implementations, the reservoir 110a extends from the distal end 102c toward the proximal end 102d of the handle 102. In some implementations, the reservoir 110a extends from the distal end 102c to the proximal end 102d of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the reservoir 110a may be positioned in any other suitable configuration within the handle 102

In some implementations, the reservoir 110a is configured to hold a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware as discussed below. In some implementations, the reservoir 110a is configured to hold the soap or other suitable content for dispensing from the stemware cleaning device 100 to clean the stemware as discussed below.

In some implementations, the fill opening 110b comprises an opening through the handle 102 into the reservoir 110a.

In some implementations, the fill opening 110b is positioned at or adjacent to the proximal end 102d of the handle 102. In some implementations, the fill opening 110b may be positioned at any other suitable location on the handle 102.

In some implementations, the fill opening 110b is circular or semi-circular shaped. In some implementations, the fill opening 110b is any other suitable shape.

In some implementations, the fill opening 110b is configured to be sealed closed to prevent a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware from flowing out of the reservoir 110a through the fill opening 110b. For example, in some implementations, the fill opening cap 110g is configured to seal close the fill opening 110b. In some implementations, the fill opening 110b may be configured to be sealed closed in any other suitable manner.

In some implementations, the fill opening 110b is configured to allow the reservoir 110a to be filled with a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware. For example, in some implementations, the fill opening 110b is configured to receive the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware into the reservoir 110a.

In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c comprises one or more openings through the handle 102 out of the reservoir 110a.

In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is positioned at or adjacent to the distal end 102c of the handle 102. In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c may be positioned at any other suitable location on the handle 102.

In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is circular or semi-circular shaped. In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is any other suitable shape.

In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is configured to be normally sealed and temporarily unsealable to allow a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to temporarily flow out of the reservoir 110a through the dispensing opening 110c. For example, in some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c includes a one-way valve (or check-valve) or other suitable component (not shown) to normally seal and allow the temporary unsealing of the dispensing opening 110c. In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c may be configured to be normally sealed and temporarily unsealable in any other suitable manner.

In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is configured to allow a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to be dispensed from the reservoir 110a. For example, in some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is configured to receive the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware out of the reservoir 110a. In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is configured to receive the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware out of the reservoir 110a into and/or onto the sponge 106 and/or the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of stemware to be cleaned with the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the dispensing opening 110c is configured to allow the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to flow out of the reservoir 110a when the dispensing button 110d is actuated, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the button opening 110e comprises an opening through the handle 102 into the reservoir 110a.

In some implementations, the button opening 110e is positioned about midway between the proximal end 102d and the distal end 102c of the handle 102. That is, in some implementations, the button opening 110e is positioned at or adjacent to the position of the dispensing button 110d, described below. In some implementations, the button opening 110e may be positioned at any other suitable location on the handle 102.

In some implementations, the button opening 110e is circular or semi-circular shaped. In some implementations, the button opening 110e is any other suitable shape.

In some implementations, the button opening 110e is configured to connect the dispensing button 110d, described below, to the reservoir 110a. In some implementations, the button opening 110e is configured to allow this connection in an air-tight and/or liquid-tight manner.

In some implementations, the button opening 110e is configured to thereby allow the dispensing button 110d to inject air, or air pressure, into the reservoir 110a to cause a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to dispense out of the reservoir 110a through the dispensing opening 110c.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the dispensing button 110d is positioned on the handle 102 between the proximal end 102d and the distal end 102c of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d is positioned on the handle 102 so that a user can press the dispensing button 110d while holding the handle 102 at the first side 102a to use the stemware cleaning device 100. In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d is positioned on the handle 102 in such location so that the user can press the dispensing button 110d with the user's thumb or finger while using the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d may be positioned at any other suitable location on the handle 102.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d is attached to the handle 102 positioned on the button opening 110e. In some implementations, this attachment of the dispensing button 110d to the handle 102 thereby connects the dispensing button 110d to the reservoir 110a, as described further below.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d may be positioned on the button opening 110e so that a portion of the dispensing button 110d extends into the handle 102, e.g. into the reservoir 110a, and the remaining portion extends outside of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d may be positioned on the button opening 110e so that most of the dispensing button 110d extends into the handle 102. For example, in some implementations, the top of the dispensing button 110d is flush with the outside surface of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d may be positioned on the button opening 110e to have any other suitable portion of the dispensing button 110d extend inside and/or outside of the handle respectively through the button opening 110e.

In some implementations, the connection of the dispensing button 110d to the reservoir 110a through the button opening 110e is an air-tight and/or liquid-tight connection. For example, in some implementations, the connection seals the button opening 110e from leaking a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware out of the reservoir 110a through the button opening 110e. In some implementations, the connection also seals the button opening 110e to allow the dispensing button 110d to inject air, or air pressure, into the reservoir 110a by the function of the dispensing button 110d, described below.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d is configured to function as a push-button air bellow, or push-button air bellow actuator, or similar device. That is, in some implementations, the dispensing button 110d is configured to operate as a small pressable air bellow in the form of a push-button, or a thumb-button, that when pressed expels air out of a bottom side opening, or orifice. Furthermore, in some implementations, such small pressable air bellow sucks in air from a top side opening when the button is de-pressed or released, which air is expelled from the bottom side opening when the button is pressed again.

In some implementations, the dispensing button 110d connected to the reservoir 110a at the button opening 110e is configured, considering the above described function, to inject air, or air pressure, into the reservoir 110a. In some implementations, this function of the dispensing button 110d causes a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to dispense out of the reservoir 110a through the dispensing opening 110c. In some implementations, this function of the dispensing button 110d occurs when the dispensing button 110d is pressed or otherwise operated.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the dispensing opening nozzle 110f extends from the dispensing opening 110c of the soap dispensing mechanism 110. In some implementations, the nozzle 110f comprises a plastic (or other suitable material) cylindrical (or other suitably shaped) finger or extension from the distal end 102c of the handle 102.

In some implementations, the nozzle 110f is further configured the same or similar to the dispensing opening 110c as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the nozzle 110f is configured to allow the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to flow out of the reservoir 110a when the dispensing button 110d is actuated.

In some implementations, the nozzle 110f is configured to attach to and detach from the insert 106e of the sponge 106 to thereby allow the sponge 106 to be attached and removed from the handle 102.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the fill opening cap 110g may comprise an external thread cap 110g1 or an internal thread cap 110g2, wherein the fill opening threads 110b1 are internal or external to mate with the cap 110g1, 110g2 threads accordingly.

In some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 is configured to hold and dispense a soap that is suitable for cleaning stemware. For example, in some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 is configured to hold and dispense a dishwashing soap.

In some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 is configured to hold and dispense any other suitable content for cleaning stemware. For example, in some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 is configured to hold and dispense a cleaning fluid. In some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 is configured to hold and dispense a cleaning gel.

In some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 110 or one or more of the above described components thereof may be integrated to the handle 102.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 is configured to clean stemware, such as the stemware 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 5, without causing damage to the stemware such as scratching.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 is configured to dispense a soap or other suitable content for cleaning such stemware using the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 is configured to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas inside and outside of stemware, such as the rim 10a, inside 10b, and outside 10c of the stemware 10 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 3A illustrates another implementation of an example stemware cleaning device 200 according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, FIG. 3A shows more of a diagrammatic or symbolic representation of the stemware cleaning device 200 in contrast to FIG. 2 which shows more of an actual or physical representation of the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 200 is the same or similar to the stemware cleaning device 100 described above with respect to FIG. 2. That is, in some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 200 comprises a handle 202, bristles 204, a sponge 206, a lip (or tip) 208, and a soap dispensing mechanism 210. Furthermore, in some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 200 is configured to effectively clean the rim and adjacent areas of stemware without causing scratching or other damage and to hold and dispense a soap or other suitable content to clean the stemware, as described herein with respect to the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the handle 202 of the stemware cleaning device 200 is the same or similar to the handle 102 of the stemware cleaning device 100. For example, in some implementations, the handle 202 comprises a first side 202a, a second side 202b, a distal end 202c, and a proximal end 202d.

In some implementations, the bristles 204 of the stemware cleaning device 200 are the same or similar to the bristles 104 of the stemware cleaning device 100.

In some implementations, the sponge 206 of the stemware cleaning device 200 is the same or similar to the sponge 106 of the stemware cleaning device 100. For example, in some implementations, the sponge 206 comprises a channel 206a.

In some implementations, the lip 208 of the stemware cleaning device 200 is the same or similar to the lip 208 of the stemware cleaning device 100. For example, in some implementations, the lip 208 comprises a channel 208a.

In some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 210 of the stemware cleaning device 200 is the same or similar to the soap dispensing mechanism 110 of the stemware cleaning device 100. For example, in some implementations, the soap dispensing mechanism 210 comprises a reservoir (or chamber) 210a, a fill opening 210b, a dispensing opening 210c, a dispensing button 210d, and a button opening 210e.

As described below, FIG. 5 illustrates an example use of the stemware cleaning device 100 according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, FIG. 5 shows more of a diagrammatic or symbolic representation of the stemware cleaning device 100 in contrast to FIGS. 2-4 which show more of an actual or physical representation of the stemware cleaning device 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example use of the stemware cleaning device 100 according to the present disclosure.

In some implementations, all other components of the stemware cleaning device 100 that may contact stemware while the stemware cleaning device 100 is used to clean the stemware, i.e. in addition to the above described sponge 106, etc., are also configured not to scratch or otherwise damage the stemware.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 comprises any suitable dimensions.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 is composed of any suitable materials, such as the example materials described herein.

In some implementations, the stemware cleaning device 100 can have any suitable appearance, such as one or more of various colors, designs, and/or other appearance features.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example use of the stemware cleaning device 100 according to the present disclosure.

In some implementations, an example method of using the stemware cleaning device 100 comprises filling the soap dispensing mechanism 110 of the stemware cleaning device 100 with a soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware, such as stemware 10. In some implementations, filling the soap dispensing mechanism 110 comprises filling the reservoir 110a with the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware through the fill opening 110b.

In some implementations, the method comprises positioning the stemware cleaning device 100 on an item of stemware, such as a wine glass, e.g., a wine glass 10. In some implementations, positioning the stemware cleaning device 100 on the stemware comprises positioning the sponge 106 on the inside and the outside of the stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware, e.g., on the inside 10b and the outside 10c of the stemware 10 adjacent to the rim 10a of the stemware 10. In some implementations, the sponge 106 is positioned by positioning the sponge channel 106a on or over the rim of the stemware.

In some implementations, the method comprises dispensing the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware from the soap dispensing mechanism 110 of the stemware cleaning device 100. In some implementations, dispensing the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware from the soap dispensing mechanism 110 comprises pressing or otherwise operating the dispensing button 110d thereby causing the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to dispense out of the reservoir 110a through the dispensing opening 110c.

In some implementations, pressing or otherwise operating the dispensing button 110d causes the dispensing button 110d to inject air, or air pressure, into the reservoir 110a that causes the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware to dispense out of the reservoir 110a through the dispensing opening 110c.

In some implementations, the method comprises cleaning the stemware with the stemware cleaning device 100. In some implementations, cleaning the stemware with the stemware cleaning device 100 comprises cleaning the inside and the outside of the stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware (e.g., cleaning the inside 10b and the outside 10c of the stemware 10 adjacent to the rim 10a of the stemware 10).

In some implementations, cleaning the stemware with the stemware cleaning device 100 comprises cleaning the stemware using the sponge 106 of the stemware cleaning device 100 to clean the stemware.

In some implementations, cleaning the stemware with the stemware cleaning device 100 comprises cleaning the stemware with the soap or other suitable content for cleaning stemware dispensed from the soap dispensing mechanism 110 of the stemware cleaning device 100.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the stemware cleaning device.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a handle; and

a sponge;

wherein the handle is elongated having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the handle is configured for holding and the sponge is attached to the distal end of the second side of the handle;

wherein the sponge comprises a channel so that a rim of a stemware fits in the channel such that the sponge is positioned on the inside and outside of the stemware adjacent the rim so that the rim area of the stemware may be cleaned.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sponge is removably attached to the handle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sponge includes a cylindrical opening on an opposite side of the sponge from the channel wherein the cylindrical opening extends into the sponge wherein the cylindrical opening comprises a first part of a connector fixedly attached to the sponge inside the cylindrical opening and wherein the distal end of the handle comprises a second part of the connector wherein the first part of the connector is configured to removably attached to the second part of the connector.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle is configured to holding a cleaning solution and the apparatus is configured to dispense the solution from the handle to the sponge.

5. A method of using the apparatus of claim 4, the method comprising:

positioning a rim of a stemware the channel of the sponge; and

cleaning the rim and the stemware adjacent to the rim including the inside and the outside of the stemware adjacent to the rim of the stemware by moving the channel of the sponge along the rim of the stemware such that the sponge is positioned on the inside and outside of the stemware adjacent to the rim.