Method and apparatus for cleaning consumable drink and food containers

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus configured to clean a consumable drink or food container includes a handle portion, a bristle base, and a plurality of bristles. The handle portion, which is generally cylindraceous, includes a first end, a second end, a grip, and an end portion. The grip is positioned proximate to the first end and comprises a gripping feature. The gripping feature is configured to facilitate gripping of the cleaning apparatus by a user. The end portion is positioned proximate to the second end and includes an attachment structure. The attachment structure is configured to enable attachment of the cleaning apparatus to an accessory. The bristle base is capable of being positioned adjacent to the first end of the handle portion. The plurality of bristles are attached to and project outwardly from the bristle base.

1 . A cleaning apparatus, wherein the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean a consumable drink or food container, the cleaning apparatus comprising:
 (a) a handle portion, wherein the handle portion is generally cylindraceous, the handle portion comprising:
 (i) a first end, 
 (ii) a second end, and 
 (iii) a gripping region positioned between the first end and the second end; 
   (b) a first cleaning feature, wherein the first cleaning feature comprises a plurality of bristles, wherein the plurality of bristles project outwardly from the first end of the handle portion; and   (c) a second cleaning feature, wherein the second cleaning feature is configured to cooperate with the plurality of bristles to clean a consumable drink or food container, wherein the second cleaning feature is integral with the handle portion, wherein the second cleaning feature comprises a soft and angled cleaning member, wherein the cleaning member is adjacent to the bristles and extends distally from the first end of the handle portion.   
     
     
         2 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning member comprises rubber or foam. 
     
     
         3 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning member has a triangular cross-section. 
     
     
         4 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning member is positioned within the bristles. 
     
     
         5 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning member is positioned external to the bristles. 
     
     
         6 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a base feature is coupled to the first end of the handle portion, wherein the plurality of bristles and the cleaning member extend distally from the base feature. 
     
     
         7 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the base feature is selectively removable from the first end of the handle portion. 
     
     
         8 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the base feature is coupled to the first end of the handle portion with a snap fit. 
     
     
         9 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the first end of the handle portion is configured to receive a replacement base feature, wherein the replacement base feature comprises a plurality of bristles and a cleaning member extending distally from the replacement base feature. 
     
     
         10 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the replacement base feature is housed within the handle portion. 
     
     
         11 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the replacement base feature is resiliently biased toward the first end of the handle portion such that the replacement base feature is movable relative to the first end of the handle portion when the base feature is removed. 
     
     
         12 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bristles extend longitudinally outwardly from the first end of the handle portion. 
     
     
         13 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bristles extend laterally outwardly from the first end of the handle portion. 
     
     
         14 . The cleaning apparatus of the  claim 1 , further comprising a utility feature integral with the handle portion. 
     
     
         15 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the utility feature comprises a bottle opening feature. 
     
     
         16 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the utility feature comprises a tab opening feature. 
     
     
         17 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the tab opening feature comprises a triangular shaped wedge. 
     
     
         18 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the tab opening feature comprises a slot within the handle portion. 
     
     
         19 . A cleaning apparatus, wherein the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean a consumable drink or food container, the cleaning apparatus comprising:
 (a) a handle portion, wherein the handle portion is generally cylindraceous, the handle portion comprising:
 (i) a first end, 
 (ii) a second end, and 
 (iii) a gripping region positioned between the first end and the second end; 
   (b) a first cleaning feature, wherein the first cleaning feature comprises a plurality of bristles, wherein the plurality of bristles are project outwardly from the first end of the handle portion; and   (c) a second cleaning feature, wherein the second cleaning feature is configured to cooperate with the plurality of bristles to clean a consumable drink or food container, wherein the second cleaning feature comprises a cleaning member, wherein the cleaning member comprises an edge extending distally from the first end of the handle portion.   
     
     
         20 . A cleaning apparatus, wherein the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean a consumable drink or food container, the cleaning apparatus comprising:
 (a) a handle portion, wherein the handle portion is generally cylindraceous, the handle portion comprising:
 (i) a first end, 
 (ii) a second end, and 
 (iii) a gripping region positioned between the first end and the second end; 
   (b) a cleaning portion, the cleaning portion comprising:
 (i) a base feature, wherein the base feature is removably coupled to the first end of the handle portion; 
 (ii) a first cleaning feature, wherein the first cleaning feature comprises a plurality of bristles, wherein the plurality of bristles are project outwardly from the base feature; and 
 (iii) a second cleaning feature, wherein the second cleaning feature is configured to cooperate with the plurality of bristles to clean a consumable drink or food container, wherein the second cleaning feature comprises a cleaning member, wherein the cleaning member comprises an edge extending distally from the base feature.