Self-Draining Dish Soap Holder Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel self-draining dish soap holder device. The device comprises a cylindrical soap holding dish component with a pour spout and a plurality of continuous openings above the pour spout that function as additional drainage holes. The dish component is sloped, such that any residual water from the soap bar and/or sponge within the dish component will drain out of the pour spout and into a sink. The dish component is supported on a base component large enough to store the dish component and a sponge or bristle brush for draining. The base also includes drainage openings to ensure all excess water drains into the sink. Thus, users can easily access the soap and their brushes/sponges when needed to wash dishes, replacing the need for liquid dish soap.

Claims

1. A self-draining dish soap holder device comprising: a soap holding dish component; and a base component; and wherein the soap holding dish component retains a bar of soap; wherein the base component retains the soap holding dish component but also a cleaning implement; and further wherein the self-draining dish soap holder device provides users with easy access to the bar of soap and the cleaning implement during use.

2. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 1, wherein the base component comprises a bottom and a raised edge around a perimeter.

3. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 2, wherein the bottom of the base component is sloped for water drainage.

4. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 3, wherein the base component comprises a plurality of drain holes for water drainage.

5. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 4, wherein the soap holding dish component comprises a cylindrical bottom with circular side walls that protrude upwards, creating a hollow cavity.

6. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical bottom is sloped for water drainage.

7. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 6, wherein the soap holding dish component comprises a pour spout for water drainage.

8. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 7, wherein the soap holding dish component comprises a plurality of drain holes for water drainage.

9. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 8, wherein the soap holding dish component comprises a series of ridges on the bottom within the hollow cavity to allow the bar of soap to be elevated above the plurality of drain holes or the pour spout.

10. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 9, wherein the soap holding dish component comprises recessed indentations on an outside bottom to allow for gripping to remove the soap holding dish component from the base component.

11. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 10, wherein the soap holding dish component comprises a lid with hinges and a locking tab.

12. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 11, wherein the cleaning implement comprises at least one of a sponge, a bristle brush, or a scouring pad.

13. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

14. A self-draining dish soap holder device comprising: a soap holding component comprising a hollow, cylindrical ring; and a base component comprising a bottom and a raised edge around a perimeter except for a length facing a sink; and wherein the soap holding component retains a bar of soap; wherein the base component retains the soap holding component but also a cleaning implement; wherein the bottom of the base component is sloped for water drainage; wherein the base component comprises a plurality of drainage troughs for water drainage; wherein the base component is rectangularly shaped; and further wherein the self-draining dish soap holder device provides users with easy access to the bar of soap and the cleaning implement during use.

15. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

16. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 14, wherein the cleaning implement comprises at least one of a sponge, a bristle brush, or a scouring pad.

17. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 14, wherein the entire base component comprises the plurality of drainage troughs.

18. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 17 wherein the plurality of drainage troughs would each span a width of the base component and would be evenly spaced apart across a length of the base component.

19. The self-draining dish soap holder device of claim 14, wherein the soap holding component is permanently secured to the base component.

20. A method of utilizing the self-draining dish soap holder device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a self-draining dish soap holder device comprising a dish component for storing a bar of soap, positioned on a base component for retaining the dish component and a sponge/brush; placing the device on a kitchen counter above a sink, such that residual water in the device can drain into the sink; positioning a bar of soap in the dish component for use; positioning a sponge on the base component and/or a bristle brush on the bar of soap for use; and using the device to wash dishes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device of the present invention disclosing how soap is stored in the dish component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device of the present invention disclosing how a sponge and a bristle brush are stored on the base component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of utilizing the self-draining dish soap holder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0039] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a self-draining dish soap holder device that provides users with an improved solid dish soap storage device designed to store a bar of soap and ensure a user can easily lather a sponge when needed. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a self-draining dish soap holder device that features a flat but sloped dish to accommodate the cylindrical soap storage container and a sponge or brush. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a self-draining dish soap holder device that neatly stores the solid bar of soap and the sponge or brush on the counter while draining into the sink. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows excess water to drain from the soap container via a spout and drainage holes, ensuring soap is not wasted when not in use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a self-draining dish soap holder device that holds the solid dish soap in place so only one hand is required to lather and apply the soap to a sponge or bristle brush. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a self-draining dish soap holder device that eliminates the need to use liquid dish soap which can be harmful to the environment due to its contents and storage in plastic bottles.

[0040] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel self-draining dish soap holder device. The device comprises a cylindrical soap holding dish component with a pour spout and a plurality of continuous openings above the pour spout that function as additional drainage holes. The dish component is sloped, such that any residual water from the soap bar and/or sponge within the dish component will drain out of the pour spout and into a sink. The dish component is supported on a base component large enough to store the dish component and a sponge or bristle brush for draining. The base also includes drainage openings to ensure all excess water drains into the sink. Thus, users can easily access the soap and their brushes/sponges when needed to wash dishes, replacing the need for liquid dish soap. The present invention also includes a novel method of utilizing the self-draining dish soap holder device. The method includes the steps of providing a self-draining dish soap holder device comprising a dish component for storing a bar of soap, positioned on a base component for retaining the dish component and a sponge/brush. The method also comprises placing the device on a kitchen counter above a sink, such that residual water in the device can drain into the sink. Further, the method comprises positioning a bar of soap in the dish component for use. The method comprises, positioning a sponge on the base component and/or a bristle brush on the bar of soap for use. Finally, using the device to wash dishes.

[0041] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 is an improved self-draining dish soap holder device 100 that eliminates the need to use liquid dish soap. Specifically, the device 100 is a modified soap holding dish container. The self-draining dish soap holder device 100 comprises a soap holding dish component 102 for retaining a bar of soap 200 positioned on a base component 104 which retains not only the dish component 102 but also a sponge 300 and/or bristle brush 302. Further, the base component 104 and/or the dish component 102 comprise a plurality of drain holes 106, 314 which allow residual water to drain out of the device 100 and into a sink, or other suitable drainage area. Thus, users can easily access the soap 200 and their brushes 302 and/or sponges 300 when needed to wash dishes.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 comprises a base component 104 having a flat bottom 202 and a raised edge 204 around its perimeter 206. The base component 104 can be of any size and shape as is known in the art, as long as the base component 104 can provide a suitable platform for support of the soap holding dish component 102 and a sponge 300 and/or bristle brush 302 in a substantially level, stationary position on the counter, edge of the sink, etc., or any other suitable place as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0043] Furthermore, the bottom 202 of the base component 104 can be sloped 208 to allow for additional drainage of residual water into the sink. Typically, the base component 104 is sloped 208 at one end, thus raising the base component 104 at one end, so that any water reaching the bottom 202 of the base component 104 will drain out into the sink or other suitable surrounding area.

[0044] Additionally, in one embodiment, the base component 104 is provided with a plurality of drain holes or drainage openings 106 which allow water to drain through to the sink. Any suitable number of drain holes 106 can be utilized as is known in the art. Further, the drain holes 106 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and can be positioned in any suitable position on the base component 104 as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 comprises a soap holding dish component 102. In this embodiment, the dish component 102 is cylindrical, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. For example, the shape of the dish component 102 may be oval, rectangular, square, etc., or alternatively, the dish component 102 may be formed in any of the following various shapes such as round, egg-shaped, or in such form as a pair of seashells or a cluster of grapes, etc. The dish component 102 can be of any size and shape as is known in the art, as long as the dish component 102 can retain a standard bar of soap 200. Generally, the dish component 200 comprises a flat bottom 304 with circular side walls 306 that protrude upward creating a hollow cavity 308 and a bowl-like shape.

[0046] Further, the bottom 304 of the dish component 102 can be sloped 310 to allow for additional drainage of residual water into the sink. Typically, the bottom 304 of the dish component 102 is sloped 310 at one end, thus raising the dish component 102 at one end, so that any water reaching the bottom 304 of the dish component 102 will drain out into the sink or other suitable surrounding area.

[0047] Additionally, in one embodiment, the dish component 102 comprises a pour spout 312 that functions as a drainage spout for draining residual water into the sink. Further, the pour spout 312 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and can be positioned in any suitable position on the dish component 102 as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as long as the pour spout 312 can be utilized to drain water from the device 100.

[0048] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the dish component 102 is provided with a plurality of drain holes or drainage openings 314 positioned above the pour spout 312 which allow water to drain through to the sink. Any suitable number of drain holes 314 can be utilized as is known in the art. Further, the drain holes 314 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and can be positioned in any suitable position on the dish component 102 as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0049] In one embodiment, the dish component 102 comprises recessed indentations 316 located on the bottom side 318 of the dish component 102 to allow easy access for fingers when removing the dish component 102 from the base component 104. In another embodiment, the dish component 102 is permanently secured to the base component 104 and cannot be removed. For example, the dish component 102 can be secured to the base component 104 via adhesives, gluing, screws, etc., or the dish component 102 and the base component 104 can be manufactured as one piece, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, a series of ridges or raised studs 320 are also provided on the bottom surface 322 of the dish component 102 within the hollow cavity 308 to allow the bar of soap 200 to be elevated somewhat above the drain holes 314 and/or the pour spout 312, thus providing improved drainage of water through the holes 314 and spout 312 as well as allowing air to circulate underneath the soap 200, drying the soap 200 and preserving the structural integrity of the soap 200.

[0051] In one embodiment, the dish component 102 comprises a lid 324 which is connected by hinges 326 or other conventional means to the upper edge 328 of the circular side wall 306. The lid 324 includes a tab 330 or handle for lifting the lid 324 when it is desired to open the dish component 102. The tab 330 is provided with a curved end portion which rides over the lip of the upper edge 328 of the circular side wall 306 adjacent to said tab 330 when the lid 324 is closed, so that the tab 330 serves as a clasp for maintaining the dish component 102 in a closed condition.

[0052] In another embodiment, it is desirable to provide increased ventilation for the dish component 102 of the present invention to assist in maintaining the bar of soap 200 in a dry condition, as well as to preserve the structural integrity of the soap 200. Such ventilation may be provided by means of additional holes 332 in the lid 324 or side walls 306 of the dish component 102 or by a combination of holes 332 in the lid 324 and side walls 306. As a means of decorating the container, the holes 332 in the lid 324 and/or side walls 306 can be shaped in a pattern or design or formed so as to spell out a word such as SOAP, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 comprises at least one of a sponge 300, a bristle brush 302, a scouring pad, etc., or any other suitable cleaning implement as is known in the art. Specifically, the base component 104 is sized to retain a sponge 300 or other cleaning implement as well as the dish component 102. Further, the dish component 102 is also sized to retain a bar of soap 200, as well as a bristle brush 302 resting on top 400 of the bar of soap 200.

[0054] In one embodiment, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 can be manufactured of cast-concrete material, or any other suitable material, including plastic, ceramic, alabaster, and metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. The base component 104 and the dish component 102 can be made of the same or different materials and both can be made attractive for use in the kitchen or other area by the application of designs, colors, patterns, shapes, embellishments, etc., such as different colored gems and insets to match the kitchen. Additionally, the self-draining dish soap holder 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the self-draining dish soap holder device comprises a plurality of indicia 402. The dish component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the dish component 102 or the base component 104, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be cleaning or dish/brand related.

[0056] In use, a bar of soap 200 is placed within the dish component 102. The dish component 102 is placed on the base component 104, and the base component 104 is placed upon the sink, mounted on the wall, or located in any other convenient position as is known in the art. During use, any residual water which may have accumulated upon the bar of soap 200 will pass through the drainage holes 314 and/or pour spout 312 of the dish component 102 and out into the sink, or excess water can flow down into the base component 104 and out into the sink. Further, the holes 332 on the lid 324 and/or side walls 306 provide additional ventilation which will result in drying of the bar of soap 200 and subsequent evaporation of water accumulated in the bottom 304 of the dish component 102. In this way, the bar of soap 200 will remain dry within the dish component 102, preserving its solid form until needed for use.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 comprises a base component 600 having a flat bottom 602 and a raised edge 604 around its perimeter 606, excluding the length 610 facing the sink. Furthermore, the bottom 602 of the base component 600 can be sloped 608 to allow for additional drainage of residual water into the sink. Typically, the base component 600 is sloped 608 at one end, thus raising the base component 600 at one end, so that any water reaching the bottom 602 of the base component 600 will drain out into the sink or other suitable surrounding area.

[0058] Additionally, in one embodiment, the base component 600 is provided with a plurality of drainage troughs 612 which allow water to drain through to the sink. Any suitable number of drainage troughs 612 can be utilized as is known in the art, however typically the entire base component 600 comprises the drainage troughs 612. Specifically, the drainage troughs 612 would each span the width of the base component 600 and would be evenly spaced apart across the length 610 of the base component 600.

[0059] Further, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 comprises a soap holding component 614 that comprises a simple ring or any other suitable shape to retain a bar of soap. The ring 614 would be secured to the drainage troughs 612 of the base component 600 to allow a user to use only one hand to apply soap to the brush or sponge. Typically, the ring 614 would be hollow and cylindrical. Generally, the embodiment would be cast with a two-part mold from suitable casting materials, such as resin, silicone, ceramics, etc.

[0060] In use, a user places a bar of soap within the soap holding component 614, which is positioned on the base component 600. A sponge 300 and/or bristle brush 302 can be stored besides the soap holding component 614 on the base component 600. The drainage troughs 612 allow both the soap and the sponge 300/bristle brush 302 to drain into the sink and keep dry. It is also contemplated that the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 could also work well with a men's solid shaving soap holder.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of utilizing the self-draining dish soap holder device. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing a self-draining dish soap holder device comprising a dish component for storing a bar of soap, positioned on a base component for retaining the dish component and a sponge/brush. The method also comprises at 502, placing the device on a kitchen counter above a sink, such that residual water in the device can drain into the sink. Further, the method comprises at 504, positioning a bar of soap in the dish component for use. The method comprises at 506, positioning a sponge on the base component and/or a bristle brush on the bar of soap for use. Finally, at 508, using the device to wash dishes.

[0062] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “self-draining dish soap holder device”, “dish soap holder device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 of the present invention.

[0063] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the self-draining dish soap holder device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0064] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0065] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.