Title: Holder for supporting a cleaning utensil
Abstract: A holder for supporting a cleaning utensil is disclosed. The holder includes a support platform that is sized and configured to receive and support at least a portion of the cleaning utensil. The holder also includes a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform. A retaining arrangement is provided integral with the support platform. The retaining arrangement is configured to constrain the cleaning utensil within the holder, such that fluid can be readily drained from the holder.
Patent Number: 6,991,200 Issued on 01/31/2006 to Stillman
| Inventors:
|
Stillman; Ralph P. (19955 Cottagewood Ave., Deephaven, MN 55331)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
629493 |
| Filed:
|
July 29, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
248/205.5; 248/37; 248/309.3; 206/361; 206/362.2; 206/77.1; D6/536; 401/131; 15/257.01 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
A45D 42/14 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
248/2055,205.3,37,206.3,309.3,94,362,363
401/131,196
15/257.01
206/361,362.2,771
211/119.009,890.1
220/476,483
4/628
D6/536,540
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
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| 5680929 | Oct., 1997 | Von Seidel.
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| 5947432 | Sep., 1999 | Reddin et al.
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| 6035859 | Mar., 2000 | Antonopoulos-McIvor.
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| 6113048 | Sep., 2000 | Shire.
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| D434525 | Nov., 2000 | Angeletta.
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| 6142432 | Nov., 2000 | Amussen.
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| 6152294 | Nov., 2000 | Weinberg.
| |
| 6619604 | Sep., 2003 | Stillman.
| |
Primary Examiner: Wood; Kimberly T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/814,352, filed
Mar. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,604 B1, which application is incorporated
herein by reference.
Claims
The claimed invention is:
1. A system comprising:
(a) a cleaning utensil including a head portion and main body portion, where
the main body portion defines a reservoir for cleaning solution and the head portion
is configured to dispense the cleaning solution; and
(b) a holder for supporting the cleaning utensil comprising:
(i) a support platform sized and configured to receive and support the head portion
of the cleaning utensil, wherein the support platform includes a back wall extending
upward from the back edge of the support platform,
(ii) a retaining arrangement integral with the support platform, the retaining
arrangement being configured to constrain the head of the cleaning utensil within
the holder so that the reservoir of the cleaning utensil is situated downwardly
from the head portion, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a continuous
ridge parallel with and along at least a portion of the front edge of the support
platform, wherein the ridge includes a substantially flat surface for engaging
a portion of a cleaning utensil, wherein the ridge extends along about half or
more of a distance of the front edge of the support platform; and
(c) a drainage conductor arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform,
wherein the drainage conductor includes first and second flange members along a
periphery on the drainage conductor.
2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a first and a second sidewall
extending upwardly from the support platform.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the support platform defines:
(a) a first drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and the
first sidewall; and
(b) a second drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and
the second sidewall;
(i) the first and second drainage channels being configured to allow fluid to
drain from the holder.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises
a ridge member integral with the support platform proximate the front edge of the
support platform.
5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment device for
removably fixing the holder to a surface, wherein the attachment device includes
a suction cup.
6. A system comprising:
(a) a cleaning utensil including a head portion and main body portion, where
the main body portion defines a reservoir for cleaning solution and the head portion
is configured to dispense the cleaning solution; and
(b) a holder for supporting the cleaning utensil comprising:
(i) a support platform sized and configured to receive and support the head portion
of the cleaning utensil, wherein the support platform includes a back wall extending
upward from the back edge of the support platform,
(ii) a retaining arrangement integral with the support platform, the retaining
arrangement being configured to constrain the head of the cleaning utensil within
the holder so that the reservoir of the cleaning utensil is situated downwardly
from the head portion, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises one or more
grooves defined in the support platform.
7. A holder for supporting a dishwashing utensil adjacent a sink, the holder comprising:
(a) a support platform sized and configured to receive a portion of the dishwashing utensil;
(b) a drainage conductor situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the
support platform wherein the drainage conductor comprises an open plate member
depending downward from the support platform,
(c) a retaining arrangement integral with the support platform; the retaining
arrangement being configured to constrain a portion of the dishwashing utensil
within the holder, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a continuous ridge
parallel with and along at least a portion of the front edge of the support platform,
wherein the ridge includes a substantially flat surface for engaging a portion
of a cleaning utensil, wherein the ridge extends along about half or more of a
distance of the front edge of the support platform.
8. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the drainage conductor includes first
and second flange members along a periphery on the drainage conductor.
9. The holder according to claim 7, further comprising a first and second sidewall
extending upwardly from the support platform.
10. The holder according to claim 9, wherein the support platform defines:
(a) a first drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and the
first sidewall; and
(b) a second drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and
the second sidewall;
(i) the first and second drainage channels being configured to allow fluid to
drain from the holder.
11. The holder according to claim 7, further comprising an attachment device
for removably fixing the holder to a surface, wherein the holder can be attached
and detached without any tools.
12. The holder according to claim 11, wherein the attachment device includes
a suction cup.
13. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the holder is manufactured from
a polymeric material.
14. A system comprising:
(a) a cleaning utensil including a head portion and main body portion, where
the main body portion defines a reservoir for cleaning solution and the head portion
is configured to dispense the cleaning solution; and
(b) a holder for supporting the cleaning utensil comprising:
(i) a support platform sized and configured to receive and support the head portion
of the cleaning utensil;
(ii) a first and second sidewall extending upwardly from the support platform;
(iii) a retaining arrangement integral with the support platform, the retaining
arrangement being configured to constrain the head of the cleaning utensil within
the holder so that the reservoir of the cleaning utensil is situated downwardly
from the head portion, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a continuous
ridge parallel with and along at least a portion of the front edge of the support
platform, wherein the ridge includes a substantially flat surface for engaging
a portion of a cleaning utensil, wherein the ridge extends along about half or
more of a distance of the front edge of the support platform.
15. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a drainage conductor
arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform, wherein the drainage conductor
includes first and second flange members along a periphery on the drainage conductor.
16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the support platform defines:
(a) a first drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and the
first sidewall; and
(b) a second drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and
the second sidewall;
(i) the first and second drainage channels being configured to allow fluid to
drain from the holder.
17. The system according to claim 14, further comprising an attachment device
for removably fixing the holder to a surface, wherein the attachment device includes
a suction cup.
18. A system comprising:
(a) a cleaning utensil including a head portion and main body portion, where
the main body portion defines a reservoir for cleaning solution and the head portion
is configured to dispense the cleaning solution;
(b) a holder for supporting the cleaning utensil comprising:
(i) a support platform sized and configured to receive and support the head portion
of the cleaning utensil,
(ii) a retaining arrangement integral with the support platform, the retaining
arrangement being configured to constrain the head of the cleaning utensil within
the holder so that the reservoir of the cleaning utensil is situated downwardly
from the head portion, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a continuous
ridge parallel with and along at least a portion of the front edge of the support
platform, wherein the ridge includes a substantially flat surface for engaging
a portion of a cleaning utensil, wherein the ridge extends along about half or
more of a distance of the front edge of the support platform;
(iii) a drainage conductor arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform,
wherein the drainage conductor includes first and second flange members along a
periphery on the drainage conductor; and
(c) an attachment device for removably fixing the holder to a surface, wherein
the attachment device includes a suction cup.
19. The system according to claim 18 further comprising a first and second sidewall
extending upwardly from the support platform, wherein the support platform defines:
(a) a first drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and the
first sidewall; and
(b) a second drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement and
the second sidewall;
(i) the first and second drainage channels being configured to allow fluid to
drain from the holder.
20. A system comprising:
(a) a cleaning utensil including a head portion and main body portion, where
the main body portion defines a reservoir for cleaning solution and the head portion
is configured to dispense the cleaning solution;
(b) a holder for supporting the cleaning utensil comprising:
(i) a support platform sized and configured to receive and support the head portion
of the cleaning utensil,
(ii) a retaining arrangement integral with the support platform, the retaining
arrangement being configured to constrain the head of the cleaning utensil within
the holder so that the reservoir of the cleaning utensil is situated downwardly
from the head portion, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises one or more
grooves defined in the support platform; and
(c) an attachment device for removably fixing the holder to a surface, wherein
the attachment device includes a suction cup.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a holder for supporting a cleaning
utensil and, more particularly, to a holder for supporting a cleaning utensil such
that fluid can be readily drained from the holder.
BACKGROUND
The use of hand-held cleaning utensils has increased significantly in recent
years. Typically, hand-held cleaning utensils can be used for cleaning and/or scrubbing
various articles, such as, dishware or tableware, tools, or other articles that
can easily be cleaned using a hand-held cleaning utensil. Existing hand-held cleaning
utensils include a cleaning head or attachment that contacts the article being
cleaned. Additionally, many existing hand-held cleaning utensils also include a
reservoir for providing a cleaning solution to the head during use. As a user cleans
an article, the cleaning solution can be dispensed through the cleaning head to
assist in cleaning. Moreover, most cleaning utensils are relatively easy to handle.
Accordingly, such hand-held cleaning utensils provide an easy and efficient means
to clean and/or scrub a variety of articles.
Despite the effectiveness of such hand-held cleaning utensils, several shortcomings
exist that limit their overall usefulness. For example, because of the shape of
many existing cleaning utensils, they are often awkward to store when not in use.
In particular, many existing hand-held cleaning utensils are placed on their side
when not in use. As a result, cleaning solution from the reservoir can continue
to flow through the cleaning attachment when the cleaning utensil is not in use.
Similarly, excess fluid can continue to discharge from the cleaning attachment
as it dries. As a result, undesirable residue often builds up or collects at the
storage location.
Improvements in holders for supporting hand-held cleaning utensils are,
therefore, sought.
SUMMARY
In general terms, the present disclosure relates to a holder for supporting a
cleaning utensil. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a holder
for supporting a cleaning utensil such that fluid can be readily drained from the
holder. In one aspect, the holder includes a support platform that is sized and
configured to receive and support at least a portion of the cleaning utensil. The
holder also includes a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate
a front edge of the support platform. A retaining arrangement is provided integral
with the support platform. The retaining arrangement is preferably configured to
constrain the cleaning utensil within the holder.
In this aspect, the drainage conductor can include first and second flange members
along a periphery of the drainage conductor. The drainage conduction can also include
a plate member depending downwardly from the support platform. Furthermore, the
support platform can define at least one drainage channel configured to allow fluid
to drain from the holder.
Still further in this aspect, the holder can include first and second sidewalls
extending upwardly from the support platform. Additionally, the holder can include
a back wall between the first and second sidewalls that also extends upwardly from
the support platform. The support platform can define a first drainage channel
disposed between the retaining arrangement and the first sidewall. Similarly, the
support platform can define a second drainage channel disposed between the retaining
arrangement and the second sidewall. Each of the first and second drainage channels
can be configured to allow fluid to drain from the holder.
Still yet in this aspect, the retaining member can include a ridge member integral
with the support platform proximate the front edge of the support platform. Alternatively,
the retaining member can include one or more grooves defined in the support platform.
Further in this aspect, the holder can include an attachment device for securing
the holder to an external surface. For example, the attachment device can include
a suction cup. The attachment device can be removably secured at the support platform
of the holder.
In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a holder for supporting a dishwashing
utensil. In this aspect, the holder includes a support platform that is sized and
configured to receive and support at least a portion of the dishwashing utensil.
The holder also includes first and second sidewalls that extend upwardly from the
support platform. Additionally, the holder includes a back wall between the first
and second sidewalls. The back wall also extends upwardly from the support platform.
Moreover, in this aspect, the support platform defines at least one drainage channel
that is configured to allow fluid to drain from the holder. The holder also includes
a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the
support platform. A retaining arrangement is also provided integral with the support
platform. The retaining arrangement is configured to constrain the dishwashing
utensil within the holder.
Further in this aspect, the drainage conductor can include first and second
flange members along a periphery of the drainage conductor. The drainage conduction
can also comprise a plate member depending downwardly from the support platform.
Furthermore, the support platform can define at least one drainage channel configured
to allow fluid to drain from the holder.
As mentioned above, the support platform defines at least one drainage channel
that is configured to allow fluid to drain from the holder in one embodiment. Further
in this aspect, the support platform can define a first drainage channel disposed
between the retaining arrangement and the first sidewall. Similarly, the support
platform can define a second drainage channel disposed between the retaining arrangement
and the second sidewall. Each of the first and second drainage channels can be
configured to allow fluid to drain from the holder.
Still further in this aspect, the retaining member can comprise a ridge member
integral with the support platform proximate the front edge of the support platform.
Alternatively, the retaining member can comprise one or more grooves defined in
the support platform.
Further in this aspect, the holder can comprise an attachment device for
securing the holder to an external surface. For example, the attachment device
can include a suction cup. The attachment device can be removably secured at the
support platform of the holder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following
detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning utensil being supported by a holder
in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holder of FIG. 3 taken along lines 4—4;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a holder in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a rear of the holder of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a cleaning utensil being supported by a
holder, where a cross-section of the holder is shown, in accordance with the principles
of the present disclosure.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms,
specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not
to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like
parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments
does not limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the
scope of the claims attached hereto.
The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description
of a suitable holder for supporting a hand-held cleaning utensil. As will become
apparent from the discussion below in connection with the accompanying drawings,
the present disclosure has particularized applicability to holders for supporting
hand-held cleaning utensils used to clean articles used in preparing and/or serving
food, such as, dishware or tableware, including china, glassware, flatware, pots,
pans, or other similar articles. However, it will be appreciated by those having
skill in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments
discussed below. Rather, the holder of the present disclosure may be used to support
various other hand-held utensils.
Now referring to FIG. 1, a holder 102 for supporting a hand-held cleaning
utensil 100 in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure
is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the holder 102 can support the cleaning utensil
100 adjacent to an external surface, such as, a storage structure or disposal
mechanism 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage structure or disposal
mechanism 103 is a typical household sink, such as, a stainless steel or
porcelain sink. However, it will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill
in the art that the holder 102 can support the cleaning utensil 100
adjacent to any suitable structure, such as a tub, basin, bucket, wall, or other
storage structure or disposal mechanism that is capable of supporting the cleaning
utensil 100 and allowing excess fluid to be drained as will be discussed
in greater detail below.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the cleaning utensil 100 generally
includes a main body 101 having a proximal end 104
a and a
distal end 104
b. The phrase "proximal end" is generally meant to
refer to the portion of the cleaning utensil 100 that is held in the user's
hand during use. Conversely, the phrase "distal end" is generally meant to refer
to the portion of the cleaning utensil 100 at or near a location that contacts
the article being cleaned. The main body 101 can include a handle portion
108 at or near its proximal end 104
a and a head portion 105
at or near its distal end 104
b. In the illustrated embodiment, the
handle portion 108 depends downwardly along the main body 101 away
from the head portion 105 to provide a suitable area for gripping or handling
the cleaning utensil 100 during use. By "downwardly," it is generally meant
that in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, the handle portion 108 extends
below the head portion 105. Furthermore, the head portion 105 extends
away from and transverse to the main body 101 and rests within the holder
102 when the cleaning utensil 100 is not in use.
Additionally, the main body 101 of the cleaning utensil 100
can define a reservoir 110 that can be used to store a solution 112.
In one possible embodiment, the reservoir 110 can be used to store a cleaning
solution, such as, a liquid detergent or disinfectant. During use, the solution
112 within the reservoir 110 can flow and dispense through the head
portion 105. In particular, when the cleaning utensil 100 is held
downwardly (e.g., in an orientation opposite that shown in FIG. 1), gravity causes
the solution 112 to flow and dispense through the head portion 105,
thereby, facilitating cleaning of the article being cleaned. Moreover, as shown
in FIG. 1, the reservoir 110 can include a removable cap 114 located
at the proximal end 104
a. Accordingly, the reservoir 110 can
be refilled as the solution 112 is depleted.
The head portion 105 preferably includes structure for cleaning and/or
scrubbing the article being cleaned. While many structures for cleaning and/or
scrubbing the article being cleaned are contemplated, in the illustrated embodiment,
the head 105 generally includes, for example, a sponge member 109.
However, one having ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the
head 105 can include various structures or devices that can be used to clean
and/or scrub the article being cleaned, for example, a collection of bristles (e.g.,
a brush), a scouring pad, a polishing pad, or any other suitable structure for
cleaning and/or scrubbing the article being cleaned. As shown, the head portion
105 includes a cleaning surface 105
a and an attachment surface
105
b opposite the cleaning surface 105
a. During use,
the cleaning surface 105
a contacts the article being cleaned. The
main body 101 of the cleaning utensil 100 is secured to the attachment
surface 105
b. Moreover, at least a portion of the attachment surface
105 can define a permeable head/body interface 107. Thus, as described
above, the solution 112 within the reservoir 110 can flow and dispense
through the head portion 105.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of
the holder 102 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
In one possible embodiment, the holder 102 can be manufactured from a polymeric
material, such as, a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic. In this embodiment,
the holder 102 can be manufactured using any suitable molding process, such
as, compression molding, transfer molding, or injection molding. In alternative
embodiments, the holder 102 can be manufactured from a ceramic material,
a metallic material, such as a stainless steel, or any other suitable material.
The use of a ceramic material to construct the holder 102 may increase a
decorative function of the holder.
As shown in FIG. 2, the holder 102 generally comprises a support platform
118 that is sized and configured to receive the hand-held cleaning utensil
100 (FIG. 1). In particular, the support platform 118 is sized and
configured to support at least a portion of the head 105 (FIG. 1) described
above. In one possible embodiment, the holder 102 can define a partially
enclosed structure for receiving the hand-held cleaning utensil 100. For
example, in the embodiment illustrated, the holder 102 includes a first
sidewall 120 and a second sidewall 122 opposite the first sidewall
120. The first and second sidewalls, 120, 122, generally extend
upwardly from the support platform 118. By "upwardly," it is generally meant
that in the orientation shown in FIG. 2, the first and second sidewalls 120,
122 extend above the support platform 118. Additionally, the holder
102 illustrated in FIG. 2 also includes a back wall 124 between the
first and second sidewalls 120, 122. The back wall 124 also
extends upwardly from the support platform 118.
Additionally, the holder 102 also includes a structure for constraining
the cleaning utensil 100 (FIG. 1) when it is received within the holder
102. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the holder 102 includes a
retaining arrangement 128 that is configured to constrain the cleaning utensil
100 within the holder 102 when not in use. By "constrain," it is
generally meant that the retaining arrangement 128 restricts or limits the
motion of the cleaning utensil 100 when received within the holder 102.
In particular, the retaining arrangement 128 constrains the cleaning utensil
100 to prevent it from inadvertently sliding out of the holder 102
(e.g., away from the back wall 124). In one possible embodiment, the retaining
arrangement 128 is integral with the support platform 118. A more
detailed illustration of the retaining arrangement 128 is shown in FIG.
4 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4—4 of FIG.
3. The retaining arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4 generally includes a ridge member
134 that is integral with the support platform 118. In this embodiment,
the ridge member 134 can be situated and arranged at or near a front edge
127 (e.g., opposite the back wall 124) of the support platform 118.
In this embodiment, the ridge member 134 includes an engaging face 138
that contacts or abuts a lower portion of the attachment surface 105
b
(FIG. 1) of the head 105 (FIG. 1) when the cleaning utensil 100
(FIG. 1) is placed within the holder 102.
In an alternative embodiment, however, the retaining arrangement 128 can
include any texture or surface roughness/depressions disposed at the support platform
118 that is capable of constraining the cleaning utensil 100 when
it is received within the holder 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
retaining arrangement 128 can include one or more groove members 136
that resistively contact the head 105 when placed within the holder 102,
thereby, restricting or limiting the movement of the cleaning utensil 100
when placed within the holder 102.
In a further alternative embodiment, two ridge members are provided near the
front
edge of the support platform with a drainage channel defined between the ridge
members. This embodiment is not illustrated. Each ridge member extends from a side
of the support platform toward the center.
Generally, as mentioned above, the holder 102 is sized and configured
to the head portion 105 of the cleaning utensil 100. In some embodiments,
the holder 102 has an overall width from the first sidewall 120 to
the second sidewall 122 of at least about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm), no
greater than about 8 inches (about 20 cm), typically about 1.0-5.0 inches (about
2.5-13 cm), and in a preferred embodiment about 1.5-3.0 inches (about 4-8 cm).
Similarly, the holder 102 has an overall depth from the front edge 127
to the back wall 124 of at least about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm), no greater
than about 5 inches (about 13 cm), typically about 1.0-3.0 inches (about 2.5-8
cm), and in a preferred embodiment about 1.2-2.0 inches (about 3-5 cm).
The holder 102 provides a convenient and useful location for storing a
hand-held cleaning utensil 100 when not is use. As discussed above, when
the cleaning utensil 100 is stored after use, excess fluid can discharge
from the head 105, thereby causing undesirable residue (e.g., soap/detergent
solutions, etc.) to build-up or collect. The holder 102 of the present disclosure
minimizes the amount of build-up caused by excess fluid being discharged from the
head 105. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the support platform 118
can include structure for allowing excess fluid to be drained from the holder 102.
For example, the support platform 118 can define at least one drainage channel
that is configured to allow fluid to drain from the holder 102. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, the support platform 118 defines a first drainage
channel 130 and a second drainage channel 132 that are each configured
to allow fluid to drain from the holder 102. The first drain channel 130
can be disposed between the retaining arrangement 128 and the first sidewall
120. Similarly, the second drainage channel 132 can be disposed between
the retaining arrangement 128 and the second sidewall 122. The first
and second drainage channels 130, 132 provide a path for fluid to
drain from the holder 102. The width of each of the drainage channels 130,
132 is generally sufficient to allow excess fluid to drain from the holder
102. In one possible embodiment, the width of each of the drainage channels
130, 132 is no more than 50% of the length of the retaining arrangement
128, typically about 10-40% of the overall width of the retaining arrangement
128, and is preferably about 25% of the overall width of the retaining arrangement
128 as shown in FIG. 3.
Additionally, the holder 102 also can include a drainage conductor
126 that encourages fluid to drain from the holder 102. Generally,
the drainage conductor 126 can include any structure capable of directing
the fluid being drained from the holder 102 downwards and away from the
support platform 118. As a result, the drainage conductor 126 can
minimize the likelihood that the fluid being drained from the holder 102
will flow underneath the holder 102. In one possible embodiment, the drainage
conductor 126 can comprise a rounded, leading edge 146 at or near
the front edge 127 of the support platform 118. In an alternative
embodiment, the drainage conductor 126 can include or further include a
drainage plate 147 that extends downwardly below the support platform 118.
By "downwardly," it is generally meant that in the orientation shown in FIG. 2,
the drainage plate 147 extends below at least a bottom surface 119
(FIG. 5) of the support platform 118. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the
drainage conductor 126 can include a first flange member 148 and
a second flange member 149 situated along a periphery of the drainage conductor
126. In so doing, the drainage conductor 126 facilitates the flow
of fluid from the holder 102 downwards and away from the support platform 118.
As shown in FIG. 7, the holder 102 can be secured to a storage structure
or disposal mechanism 103, such as, a conventional household sink, using
an attachment device 116. While many embodiments of the attachment device
116 are contemplated, the attachment device 116 shown in FIG. 7 generally
can include any device capable of securing the holder 102 to the storage
structure 103. In one possible embodiment, the attachment device 116
includes a device that can removably secure the holder 102 to the storage
structure 103, such as, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners,
or other fastening devices. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
the attachment device 116 can include any suitable device capable of rigidly
securing the holder 102 to the storage structure 103, such as, one
or more screws, bolts, rivets, or other similar fasteners.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the attachment device 116 includes
a suction cup secured at the bottom surface 119 of the support platform
118. As shown in FIG. 6, the suction cup 116 can include a tongue
portion 152 and a neck portion 154. A guide channel 140 can
be provided at the bottom surface 119 of the support platform 118
for receiving the suction cup 116. In particular, the guide channel 140
includes an upper guide 142 and a lower guide 144. The upper guide
142 defines a first opening for receiving the tongue portion 152
of the suction cup 116. Similarly, the lower guide 144 defines a
second opening for receiving the neck portion 154. The suction cup 116
can be installed by slidably engaging the tongue and neck portions 152,
154 with the guide channel 140. In one possible embodiment, the suction
cup 116 is slid into engagement with holder 102 from the rear (e.g.,
from the back wall 124 towards the front edge 127). Once installed,
the lower guide 144, which is narrower than the upper guide 142,
traps the tongue portion 152 within the guide channel 140, thereby,
securing the suction cup 116 to the holder 102.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of
the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments
of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
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