JEWELRY CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A brush cap is configured to be selectively coupled to a jewelry cleaning apparatus in order to protect the jewelry cleaning apparatus. The brush cap may include a hollow elongated body having an open end for receiving the jewelry cleaning apparatus therethrough and a clamp disposed on the hollow elongated body. The clamp may include a first portion affixed to the hollow elongated body, and a second portion extending over the hollow elongated body but not affixed to the hollow elongated body. The clamp may be configured to selectively affix a jewelry item between the hollow elongated body and the second portion of the clamp.

Claims

1. A brush cap configured to be selectively coupled to a jewelry cleaning apparatus in order to protect the jewelry cleaning apparatus, the brush cap comprising: a hollow elongated body having an open end for receiving the jewelry cleaning apparatus therethrough; and a clamp disposed on the hollow elongated body, the clamp including a first portion affixed to the hollow elongated body, a second portion extending over the hollow elongated body but not affixed to the hollow elongated body, and a third portion disposed between the first and second portions of the clamp, wherein the third portion of the clamp is separated from the hollow elongated body, thereby forming a safety loop between the hollow elongated body and the clamp, wherein the safety loop is configured to selectively entrap a jewelry item between the clamp and the hollow elongated body during a cleaning process, or wherein the clamp is configured to selectively affix the jewelry item between the hollow elongated body and the second portion of the clamp.

2. The brush cap of claim 1, further comprising a carveout disposed adjacent to an end region of the second portion of the clamp for facilitating the selective entrapment or affixing of the jewelry item.

3. The brush cap of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the clamp is in a tensioned state, pressing against the hollow elongated body even when the jewelry item is not disposed between the hollow elongated body and the second portion of the clamp.

4. The brush cap of claim 1, wherein the third portion of the clamp is curved and extends over an end portion of the hollow elongated body, opposite to the open end.

5. The brush cap of claim 1, wherein the hollow elongated body includes at least one finger impression configured to provide a contact point between a user's finger and the hollow elongated body such that the user can grip the hollow elongated body through the at least one finger impression.

6. The brush cap of claim 1, wherein the hollow elongated body further includes a ventilation hole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which :

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a precious stone cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 loaded at a first region with a ring that includes a precious stone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 loaded at a second region with a ring that includes a precious stone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 without the ring holding clamp;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 without the ring holding clamp;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 without the ring holding clamp and without the brush head;

[0024] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the brush head of the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view illustrating the brush head of the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1; and

[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the precious stone cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification. The sizes and/or proportions of the elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0028] When an element is referred to as being disposed on another element, intervening elements may also be disposed therebetween. In addition, elements, components, parts, etc., not described in detail with respect to a certain figure or embodiment may be assumed to be similar to or the same as corresponding elements, components, parts, etc., described in other parts of the specification.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIGS. 1-10, a precious stone cleaning apparatus 100 may include a brush body 200 (see FIGS. 5-7), a brush head 300 (see FIGS. 6, 8 and 9), and a brush cap 400 (see FIGS. 1-2).

[0030] The brush body 200 may be selectively coupled to the brush head 300. When the brush head 300 is worn out from use, the brush head 300 may be replaced by a new brush head that may be, for example, identical to the brush head 300. The brush body 200 may oscillate brush head 300 at sonic speeds, for example, at a frequency greater than approximately 20 KHz.

[0031] The brush body 200 with the oscillating brush head 300 mounted thereon, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, may be used to clean jewelry containing precious stones. For example, the brush body 200 with the oscillating brush head 300 may be used to clean rings with precious stones, for example, diamond engagement rings, diamond wedding rings, and other types of rings with gemstones. In addition, the brush body 200 with the oscillating brush head 300 may be used to clean watches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc., that contain precious stones.

[0032] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the brush cap 400 may be configured to be selectively engaged with a jewelry item 500 (e.g., a ring 500) at a first region of the brush cap 400 in order to secure and firmly hold the ring 500 in a first position, as shown in FIG. 2A, during a cleaning process.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the brush cap 400 may include an elongated body 402, a pair of finger impressions 404 (only one of the finger impressions 404 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4), and a holding clamp 406. The pair of finger impressions 404 may be disposed on opposite ends of the brush cap 400.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the cap body 402 may have an elongated shape and may be selectively coupled with the brush body 200 to cover and protect the brush body 200 and the brush head 300. The cap body 402 may also be used to protect the brush head 300, allowing the user to store the cleaning apparatus 100 in a drawer or bag without risk of damaging or contamination.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4, the cap body 402 may include a ventilation hole 408 for allowing the brush head 300 to dry inside of the of the brush cap 400 when wet (e.g., after use).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, the holding clamp 406 may have a curved shape (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4), for example, an upside-down U-like shape. Referring again to FIG. 4, the clamp 406 may include a first portion 410 affixed to the cap body 402, and a second portion 412 that is not affixed to the cap body 402. As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second portions 410 and 412 may be aligned at an oblique angle with respect to one another. The holding clamp 406 may be springy, and the spring forces of the holding clamp 406 may cause the second portion 412 of the of the holding clamp 406 to press against the cap body 402.

[0037] An insertion/exit area 414, see FIGS. 2A-4, may be used for inserting the ring 500 between the cap body 402 and the second portion 412 of the holding clamp 406 such that the ring 500 may be slid upwardly between the second portion 412 of the holding clamp 406 and the cap body 402. The insertion/exit area 414 may also facilitate the selective removal of the ring 500 from the brush cap 400.

[0038] In other words, the insertion/exit area 414 may be used to facilitate the coupling and/or uncoupling between the ring 500 and the and the brush cap 400. The insertion/exit area 414 may also be referred to as a carveout 414.

[0039] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2A, after inserting the ring 500 in the insertion/exit area 414, the ring 500 may be slid upwardly to a region where the second portion 412 of the holding clamp 406 applies spring forces onto the cap body 402 such that the second portion 412 of the holding clamp 406 can press the ring 500 against the cap body 402 in order to firmly hold the ring 500 in place in a position as that shown in FIG. 2A.

[0040] Thus, in an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the clamp 406 is configured to firmly hold the ring 500rings are typically the most worn and dirtiest of jewelryin a position for cleaning by using the brush body 200 coupled to the brush head 300. It is understood that the clamp 406 may be used to clamp various types of jewelry pieces to the brush cap 400 in addition to rings, for example, hoop or loop earrings, or other types of jewelry pieces that have a certain curvature and/or thickness.

[0041] In addition, the clamp 406 may be used for holding the ring 500 to air dry after a cleaning process, for example, in a position as that shown in FIG. 2A.

[0042] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2B, after inserting the ring 500 in the insertion/exit area 414, the ring 500 is slid upwardly into a region 418 (see FIGS. 2B and 4 illustrating the region 418). Referring to FIG. 4, the region 418 may be a region of the brush cap 400 disposed between a top portion of the cap body 402 and a bottom portion of a curved part of the clamp 406. The curved part of the clamp 406 that forms the region 418 may be a third portion of the clamp 406, disposed between the first and second regions 410 and 412 of the clamp 406. The region 418 may also be referred to as a safety loop 418.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2B, the ring 500 is shown as standing upright while inserted in the safety loop 418. However, due to the configuration (e.g., shape, size, curvatures, etc.) of the safety loop 418 and/or due to the shape of the ring 500, it is understood that a user's fingers (e.g., the thumb and index finger) may be needed to hold the ring 500 in the upright position shown in FIG. 2B due to the effect of gravity on the ring 500.

[0044] In an embodiment, the user may clean the ring 500, while holding the ring 500 in the position shown in FIG. 2B, by using the brush body 200 coupled to the brush head 300.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2B, when the ring 500 is inserted in the safety loop 418, the ring 500 is trapped inside of the safety loop 418. When the ring 500 is trapped inside of the safety loop 418, the ring 500 can be disconnected (or unchained) from the brush cap 400 only by a user's actions of gripping the ring 500 and sliding the ring 500 downwardly through a region where the second portion 412 and the cap body 402 overlap with one another, and out through the insertion/exit area 414. In other words, the ring 500 cannot slide out of the brush cap 400 due to its own weight.

[0046] Therefore, the safety loop 418 may be used as a safety device to prevent the ring 500 from falling onto the ground in the case the ring 500 slips off of the user's fingers during a cleaning operation because the safety loop 418 will prevent the ring 500 from being involuntarily disconnected from the brush cap 400.

[0047] The finger impressions 404 may also be used as a visual guide, indicating a location where a user may stop sliding the ring 500 for clamping, as shown in FIG. 2A, or for indicating the safety loop 418.

[0048] Each of the brush cap 400 and the clamp 406 may be made of, for example, plastic (e.g., a hard plastic), a lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium, etc.) or other lightweight material. However, regardless of the material used in making the brush cap 400, it is understood that the second portion 412 of the clamp 406 may have a certain elastic give in order to permit a ring or other curved jewelry item to be selectively inserted between the cap body 402 and the second portion 412.

[0049] In addition, the cap body 402 and/or the clamp 406 may be covered in a thin layer of elastic material, e.g., rubber, or may have a thin layer of padding to avoid scratching the ring 500 when sliding and/or clamping the ring 500 between the cap body 402 and the second portion 412.

[0050] The brush body 200 may be used to oscillate the brush head 300 for cleaning the ring 500. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, and 10, the brush body 200 may include a housing 202, a power source 204 disposed inside of the housing 202 (see FIG. 10), a vibrating motor 206 disposed inside of the housing 202 (see FIG. 10), a vibrating pin 208 connected to the vibrating motor 206 and protruding from the housing 202, an indicator light 210, a power input port 212, a thin insulating layer 214 covering the housing 202, a cover 216 configured to selectively provide access to the power input port 212 and to seal the power input port 212 from water, moisture, dust, etc., a power button 218 for turning on/off the cleaning apparatus 100, and circuit board 220 (see FIG. 10) including a battery status detecting circuit.

[0051] The housing 202 may be made of the same materials as the brush cap 400. The housing 202 may be made small such that smaller hands may be able to hold and precisely maneuver the cleaning apparatus 100. Thus, the cleaning apparatus 100 may be portable, convenient to use, and convenient to store. For example, the housing 202 may be made approximately 4 inches long, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that the size of the housing 202 may be varied according to user demand or user preference.

[0052] The insulating layer 214 may be, for example, rubber over-molding. The insulating layer 214 may be made of, for example, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc. The insulating layer 214 may cover the housing 202. Thus, the insulating layer 214 may make the brush body 200 waterproof and dustproof. In addition, the insulating layer 214 may protect the brush body 200 from shock, hits, bumps, scratches, etc. Further, the insulating layer 214 may provide an easy grip of the brush body 200, and may serve to buffer the vibrations of the brush body 200 and brush head 300. Thus, the insulating layer 214 may reduce hand fatigue and may increase user comfort.

[0053] The power source 204 may be a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery. As an example, the power source 204 may be a lithium ion battery. Thus, the power source 204 may have a high capacity and a large number of charging cycles.

[0054] The power source 204 may be charged wirelessly or by wire. In the case of wireless charging, the brush body 200 may further include an induction coil (not shown) electrically connected to the power source 204 for charging the power source 204.

[0055] When charging by wire, the brush body 200 may include the power input port 212, shown in FIG. 5, and an electrical wire and/or circuit (not shown) electrically connecting the power input port 212 with the power source 204.

[0056] The power input port 212 (see FIG. 5) may be, for example, a micro universal serial bus (USB) port, a USB port, a USB type-C port, etc.

[0057] The cover 216 may be configured to seal the input port 212 from water, moisture, dust, etc. Since the insulating layer 214 and the cover 216 may insulate the brush body 200 from air, water, moisture, dust, etc., the cleaning apparatus 100 may be used in damp areas and may function properly after being plunged in water.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the power input port 212 and the cover 216 may be disposed at the base of the brush body 200. Accordingly, the cleaning apparatus 100 may be charged while standing or laying on its side.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, the indicator light 210, may be for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The indicator light 210 may be disposed, for example, under the insulating layer 214. In this case, the indicator light 210 may be configured to emit light at a luminous flux large enough such that light emitted from the indicator light 210 may be seen through the insulating layer 214. The indicator light 210 may be electrically connected to the battery status detecting circuit (not shown) and may indicate when the power source 204 has been fully charged and when the power source 204 has a low capacity left. For example, the indicator light 210 may emit green light to indicate that the power source 204 has been charged, and may emit yellow or red light to indicate that the power source 204 has a low power reserve. In addition, the indicator light 210 may also emit light of various other colors to indicate when the power source 204 is in the process of being charged, and when the cleaning apparatus 100 is in use.

[0060] The vibrating motor 206 (see FIGS. 7 and 10) (or motor 206) may be disposed within the housing 202, and may be electrically connected to the power source 204. The motor 206 may be connected to the vibrating pin 208 (or pin 208) and may be configured to vibrate the pin 208 at a sonic frequency. For example, the motor 206 may vibrate the pin 208 at 20 KHz or at a frequency greater than 20 KHz. In an embodiment, the motor 206 may vibrate the pin 208 at about 30 KHz, which is well within the sonic threshold.

[0061] As used in this specification, vibrating and/or oscillating the pin 208 may mean, for example, moving the pin 208 from side to side. In other words, when the pin 208 is in a resting state, vibrating and/or oscillating the pin 208 may mean moving the pin in a first direction from the resting state toward a first side of the brush body 200, and then moving the pin in a second direction, different from the first direction, toward a second side of the brush body 200.

[0062] The power button 218 (see FIGS. 5) may be disposed under the insulating layer 214. In addition, the power button 218, together with the insulating layer 214, may be flush with the exterior surface of the brush body 200. Thus, due to the insulating layer 214, the brush body 214 may be made seamless and waterproof

[0063] The pin 208 may be configured to be frictionally engaged with the brush head 300. Thus, the brush head 300 may be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the brush body 200 through the pin 208. As shown in FIG. 10, the brush head 300 may include a cavity in which it receives the vibrating pin 208 for selective coupling with the brush body 200.

[0064] The selective coupling feature of the cleaning system 100 enables users to replace the brush head 300 when needed.

[0065] When turned on, the motor 206 causes the pin 208, and therefore the brush head 300, to vibrate.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the brush head 300 may include an elongated body 302, an insulating layer 304 covering the body 302, and region 306 including a plurality of different bristle sections 308, 310, 312, and 314.

[0067] The body 302 of the brush head 300 may include the same materials as the brush cap 400 and the brush body 200. The insulating layer 304 of the brush head 300 may include the same materials as the insulating layer 214 of the brush body 200. Since the brush head 300 may be covered by a soft insulating layer 304, the insulating layer 304 protects the precious stones and/or stone setting in instances when the body 302 of the brush head 300 comes into contact with a jewelry item when the jewelry item is being cleaned (e.g., when the brush head 300 is being oscillated). Thus, the brush head 300 is safe for use around soft metals, delicate stone settings, and/or precious stones.

[0068] When the cleaning apparatus 100 is turned on, the brush head 300 vibrates and the bristles of the region 306 scrub against the surface of the set stones. The brush head 300 is configured to be used wet with, for example, a diamond soap solution or other liquid detergent that is safe for cleaning precious stones.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, each of the bristle sections 308, 310, 312, and 314 is configured to perform a specific cleaning task, equaling to a total of four cleaning functions on one brush head 300.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, the bristle section 308 may be disposed at the tip of the brush head 300. The bristle section 308 may include a tuft of bristles trimmed to a conical point (see FIGS. 8-9) that functions as a detailing pick. The bristle section 308 is aligned at an angle a (see FIG. 5) to be able to reach and sweep dirt out from under the diamond setting of the ring 500 where the most hard-to-reach stubborn grime accumulates. The angle a also makes it possible to reach inside rings of all sizes.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, the bristle section 310 may have a spade shape made of two separate tufts of bristles. The bristle section 310 may be used for cleaning under the main precious stone in a typical engagement ring (e.g., the ring 500). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8-9, the bristles of the section 310 may be trimmed at an angle to allow the most bristle-to-stone contact underneath the stone setting.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, the bristle section 312 is located below the bristle section 310, and may be a short pave section. The bristles of the section 312 may be grouped in a plurality of columnar sections (or cylindrical tufts of bristles), as shown in FIGS. 8-9. The bristles of the section 312 may be shorter and more densely packed than, for example, the bristles of the section 308 or 310, to deliver stronger scrubbing power into the particularly small pave diamond settings. The section 312 may also be ideal for scrubbing the outer surface of any size or style of diamond or other precious stone.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8-9, the section 314 may include a tuft of bristled that may be trimmed to form a conically shaped detailing pick. The detailing pick formed by the bristles of the section 314 may be shorter than the detailing pick formed by the bristles of section 308, and may easily fit up and under smaller set diamonds and other precious stones. The location, shape, and conical trim of the bristles included in the section 314 allows the section 314 to serve the dual function of cradling the ring 500 over the bristle section 312 (e.g., the pave section) for cleaning the smaller set diamonds and other precious stones, and preventing the ring 500 from slipping down onto the body 302 of the brush head 300 (e.g., the neck of the brush head 300) during the cleaning process. For example, since the bristles included in the bristle section 314 are longer than those of the section 310, and are conically trimmed, the bristles included in the bristle section 314 may act as a barrier preventing the ring 500 from slipping down onto the neck of the brush head 300.

[0074] The bristles used in the brush head 300 may be a combination of, for example, DUPONT Tynex Classic bristles and DUPONT Tynex Brilliance bristles, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, the individual bristles included in the bristle section 308 may be DUPONT Tynex Brilliance NC-410 bristles. The individual bristles included in each of the bristle sections 310 and 314 may be, for example, DUPONT Tynex Classic White WT101. The individual bristles included in the bristle section 312 may be, for example, DUPONT Tynex Classic Transparent NC410.

[0075] The individual bristles included in the bristle section 308 may have a different cross-section than the bristles included in the bristle sections 310 to 314.

[0076] For example, the individual bristles included in the bristle section 308 may have a plurality of flat sides, for example, four flat sides. In addition, the individual bristles included in the bristle section 308 may have a rhombus cross-section, a parallelogram cross-section, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, etc. In addition, the individual bristles included in the bristle section 308 may have a diamond cross-section, or, more broadly, a polygonal cross-section.

[0077] The flat edges of the individual bristles included in the bristle section 308 make them most effective for cleaning the flat surfaces of diamond facets.

[0078] The individual bristles included in the bristle sections 310 to 314 may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or other curved cross-section.

[0079] Thus, due to the combination of different bristle types, lengths, trimming, grouping, and the layout of the tufts of the brush head 300, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8-9, the cleaning apparatus 100 may be highly effective at cleaning all-around the precious stones of a ring or other type of stone-studded jewelry while also preventing damage to the precious stones during the cleaning process.

[0080] In addition, since the brush cap 400 may be used to securely hold a ring, or other type of hoop or loop jewelry, in place, the brush cap 400 may free one of the user's hands which would otherwise hold the jewelry item to be cleaned. Thus, since the ring or other jewelry item to be cleaned is not held by the user's soapy hands, the risk of damage due to the jewelry slipping and falling from the user's fingers during the cleaning process is eliminated.

[0081] The advantages in stone-set jewelry cleaning achieved by the cleaning apparatus 100 include greater cleaning power and performance, increased convenience, usability, durability, versatility, construction quality and safety of use. Unlike other approaches, the cleaning apparatus 100 is fully waterproof, portable, durable and rechargeable. The cleaning apparatus 100 cleans a filthy ring in a matter of seconds rather than hours. By making actual contact with the dirt and grime caked onto stones, and moving at speeds over 30,000 strokes per minute, the uniquely formatted and trimmed sonic scrubbing bristles of the present invention effectively clean stones of every shape and in every kind of setting better and faster than any other known device. Because the brush head 300 is covered in a soft rubber, it can safely come in contact with jewelry without damaging it.

[0082] The unique function of the ring-holding clamp 406 on the cap 400 ensures that rings will not be lost down the drain or dropped and damaged while cleaning. The ring-holding clamp 406 makes holding a small, wet, soapy ring effortless.

[0083] Because the cleaning apparatus 100 may be used with a liquid detergent that is specifically designed to break down impacted oil-based residue, help kill bacteria and germs, and dry with a streak-free perfectly clean finish, jewelry cleaned by using the cleaning apparatus 100, is left cleaner, safer and less prone to picking up new grime than with other cleaning methods. All of these features come together to make cleaning stone-set jewelry easy, convenient and effective, resulting happy jewelry owners, sellers and buyers.

[0084] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.