Cleaning Device for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original cleaning device patent to develop innovative solutions for cleaning medical instruments, exercise equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, and sports equipment.
Background and Problem Solved
The original cleaning device patent was limited to cleaning kitchen tools. However, the need for efficient and effective cleaning solutions exists in various industries. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to diverse applications, ensuring cleanliness, sanitation, and safety across multiple domains.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a body defining an inlet aperture, first and second infinite belt assemblies with sterilizable or scratch-resistant bristles, and a drive unit. The belt assemblies rotate in opposite directions to clean and sanitize the received instruments or equipment. The system can be adapted to accommodate various shapes and sizes of instruments or equipment, and the bristles can be made of materials suitable for specific applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the core cleaning device technology, demonstrating an inventive step by extending the technology beyond kitchen tools to address specific cleaning challenges in medical, exercise, musical, industrial, and sports equipment domains.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifications to the belt assemblies, drive unit, or body design to accommodate specific cleaning requirements. Variations may also include integrating sensors, automation, or advanced cleaning solutions to enhance the system's performance and efficiency.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in multiple industries, including healthcare, fitness, music, manufacturing, and sports. The system can be marketed as a versatile, efficient, and effective cleaning solution, offering a competitive advantage in these markets.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47L15/39 |
| A | A46 | A46B13/02 |
| A | A46 | A46D1/0207 |
| A | A47 | A47L15/0086 |
| A | A47 | A47L15/4214 |
| A | A46 | A46B2200/3033 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Cleaning device technologies, spanning mechanical cleaning systems with multi-directional belt assemblies, applicable across industrial, medical, and consumer domains. Expertise requires understanding mechanical design, material science, and cross-domain cleaning system adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial design specialist with experience in cleaning system design, familiar with belt-driven cleaning mechanisms, material compatibility, and cross-industry equipment sanitization techniques
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD demonstrates a straightforward extension of the source patent's core cleaning mechanism by applying the fundamental belt-driven cleaning technology to diverse domains. A PHOSITA would recognize that the core mechanical principles of counter-rotating bristled belt assemblies are universally applicable across different cleaning contexts. The variations primarily involve material selection and sizing adaptations, which represent predictable engineering modifications within a skilled practitioner's standard problem-solving approach.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,132 |
|---|---|
| Title | Cleaning device |
| Assignee(s) | Whirlpool Corporation |