Water shedding designs for receptacle bottoms

Abstract

A design for water shedding receptacle bottoms is presented in this invention. For ease in understanding, the specific case of a water shedding mug is presented and described in detail. The mug is designed such that water will run off the bottom of the mug when it is inverted in a dishwasher. The design is comprised of a convex bottom, a series of raised curvilinear forms radiating outward from the center of the bottom of the mug, and an associated high point on each curvilinear form at or near the periphery of the inverted mug. The convex bottom and raised curvilinear forms to form flow channels through which water will flow via normal gravitational forces when the mug is inverted in a dishwasher.

Description

Cross Reference To Related Applications [0001] This Continuation Application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 290,345 filed on Nov. 30, 2005 which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 633,014 dated Dec. 3, 2004.Federal Research Statement [0002] None Background of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to the design of the bottoms of mugs, cups, bowls and other kitchen receptacles that facilitates the runoff of water from the dishwashing process. More specifically, the invention relates to the design of the bottoms of said mugs, cups, bowls and other kitchen receptacles such that water will automatically run off the bottom surface of said vessels when the vessel is inverted during or after the dishwashing process. [0004] One of the more persistent problems associated with the dishwashing process, whether hand dishwashing or automatic dishwashing, is the presence of standing water in the concave surfaces of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a design for the bottom of mugs, cups, bowls, and other kitchen receptacles that helps to prevent water from accumulating in them during the dishwashing process. The design includes curvilinear forms that create flow channels for water to flow out of the receptacle. These forms help to keep the bottom of the receptacle dry and prevent the growth of microbes and mold. The design can also be applied to a convex shaped cap that can be placed on the receptacle to further enhance the flow of water. Additionally, a thin layer of silicon or Teflon coating can be applied to the bottom of the receptacle to improve the flow of water."

Problems solved by technology

Standing water inherent in the dishwashing process is at best an annoyance and a cause of extra work in the kitchen, and at worst a potential source of microbes that can accumulate in such standing water in the bottoms of such items.

However, when the mug is inverted, water will accumulate in the concave surface of the bottom of the mug.

This combination of concave bottom design and inverted positioning in a dishwasher results in the accumulation of standing water from the dishwashing process.

The same type of standing water problem exists for bowls, pitchers, glasses, cups etc.

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