SHINING SMALL OBJECTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/857,285, filed June 05, 2019, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[002] The present subject matter relates to cleaning systems. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to systems and methods for cleaning small objects.

BACKGROUND

[003] Cleaning jewelry, made for example of precious metals like gold and silver, that can include gem stones like diamonds, is a challenge because of their small size and delicate nature. One way to overcome this challenge is to seek for a cleaning service by a professional jeweler that has the necessary equipment and experience for cleaning jewelry. However, such service can be expensive and long time consuming. An alternative way is to clean the jewelry at home, by using tools and cleaning materials that are available in every household. Tools that are commonly used for cleaning jewelry at home include soft or rough brushes, for example a toothbrush, or a piece of cloth. Cleaning materials that are commonly used for cleaning jewelry at home include liquid soaps, baking soda, bleach, anti-heartburn pills, ammonia and the like.

[004] The currently used methods for cleaning jewelry at home with the aforementioned tools and cleaning materials have several disadvantages: Although cleaning of jewelry is perceptually considered professional, many people do that at home. Yet there are disadvantages to that such as that the cleaning process is time consuming. The user spends a long time in cleaning the jewelry; the cleaning of the jewelry can be inadequate - for example there can be points or spots on the jewelry that can not be accessed during the cleaning process and therefore the jewel remains dirty or at least insufficiently cleaned. Yet reckless manipulation of the jewelry can cause damage to the jewelry, for example the jewelry can be broken, or become bent, if a too high pressing force is exerted on the jewelry, or the jewelry can become corroded if highly strong corrosive cleaning materials are used.

SUMMARY

[005] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[006] According to one aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a system for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects by shaking, or rolling, the small objects in a cleaning medium, the system comprising:

a capsule, comprising:

a container configured to contain a cleaning medium and small objects to be cleaned, and having at least one opening; and

at least one cover configured to tightly cover the at least one opening.

[007] According to one embodiment, the cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining of the small objects is by using an appliance that allows rolling of the cleaning capsule during operation of the appliance.

[008] According to another embodiment, the appliance is a laundry washing machine, or a laundry drying machine.

[009] According to yet another embodiment, the cleaning capsule further comprising a sealing ring configured to tightly seal the cover to the opening.

[0010] According to still another embodiment, the container and cover are heat resistant.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the container and cover withstand temperatures up to substantially 80°C. [0012] According to yet a further embodiment, the system further comprising a plurality of cleaning particles configured to be inserted into the container, and enhance cleaning of the small objects.

[0013] According to still a further embodiment, the size and shape of the cleaning particles is adapted to allow access of the cleaning particles to points and spots on the small objects that otherwise are not mechanically accessible.

[0014] According to an additional embodiment, the system further comprising a shield configured to at least partially cover the cleaning capsule, and at least decrease mechanical impacts to the cleaning capsule during shaking, or rolling, of the cleaning capsule.

[0015] According to yet an additional embodiment, the system further comprising at least one padding configured to be inserted into the cleaning capsule together with the small objects, the cleaning particles and the cleaning medium, in order to fill-in empty space inside the cleaning capsule and prevent impact of the small objects on the walls of the cleaning capsule during the shaking, or rolling of the cleaning capsule.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a method for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects by shaking, or rolling, the small objects in a cleaning medium, the method comprising:

providing a cleaning capsule comprising:

a container configured to contain a cleaning medium and small objects to be cleaned, and having at least one opening; and

at least one cover configured to tightly cover the at least one opening;

inserting small objects into the container;

inserting a cleaning medium into the container;

covering at least one opening of the container with the at least one cover; and shaking, or rolling, the cleaning capsule.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the method further comprising tightly sealing the cover to the opening with a sealing ring, before covering at least one opening of the container with the at least one cover. [0018] According to another embodiment, the method further comprising inserting cleaning particles into the container.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment, the shaking, or rolling, the cleaning capsule is by inserting the cleaning capsule into an appliance that allows shaking, or rolling of the cleaning capsule during operation of the appliance, and operating the appliance.

[0020] According to still another embodiment, the method further comprising before shaking, or rolling, the cleaning capsule, covering the cleaning capsule with a shield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms may be embodied in practice.

[0022] In the drawings:

[0023] Figs. 1A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, side perspective views of components of a cleaning capsule separated one from the other.

[0024] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of an assembled cleaning capsule.

[0025] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a sealing ring.

[0026] Figs. 4A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, side perspective views of cleaning particles in various shapes. [0027] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a shield in the form of a bag.

[0028] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a bag in a closed state.

[0029] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a padding.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale.

[0031] The present subject matter provides a system for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects, and a method for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects using the system for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects. The system and method are designed for usage at home, for example, by a typical consumer of jewelry who is not professional in cleaning and shining of jewelry. However, they can be also used by a professional, for example a jeweler. Any small object can be cleaned by the system and method of the present subject matter, particularly jewelry.

[0032] A small object can be defined as any object having a diameter or length in a range of substantially 1-50 mm, for example a marble, a diamond, a stone, a ring and the like; or a larger object comprising parts in the aforementioned size range, for example a chain, a necklace, a pendant, a bracelet and the like. It is noted that any object in the aforementioned size range is under the scope of the present subject matter. [0033] For the sake of simplicity only, the system for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects can be occasionally referred to hereinafter as the system, and the method for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects can be occasionally referred to hereinafter as the cleaning method.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the system and cleaning method involve shaking or rolling the small objects in a cleaning medium. Thus, the small objects are chemically cleaned due to the interaction with the cleaning medium, and mechanically cleaned due to the abrasion effect of shaking or rolling of the small objects.

[0035] The system and cleaning method of the present subject matter are advantageous over prior art cleaning devices and methods, particularly for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining at home, in various aspects: In some embodiments, the cleaning process by the consumer becomes very short - preparations for the cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining process take substantially one minute while the rest of the cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining process is performed automatically; the system and cleaning method allow thorough cleaning of small objects, including cleaning of points and spots on the small objects that are hard to be accessed by prior art devices and cleaning methods; and there is a substantial reduction in risk, and even no risk, of causing any damage to the small objects.

[0036] As mentioned above, the system and the cleaning method are configured to clean small objects in general. However, preferably, the system and cleaning method are configured to clean jewelry. Therefore, some embodiments of the system and cleaning method are adapted for cleaning jewelry.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the system for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects comprises a cleaning capsule 11, configured to contain a cleaning medium and small objects to be cleaned.

[0038] Referring now to Figs. 1A-B, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, side perspective views of components of a cleaning capsule 11 separated one from the other. According to one embodiment, the cleaning capsule 11 comprises a container 112 and at least one cover 114. [0039] The container 112 is configured to contain a cleaning medium and small objects to be cleaned. The container 112 comprises at least one opening 1122 that allows insertion of a cleaning medium and small objects into the container 112, and removal of a cleaning medium and small objects from the container 112. According to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 A, the container 112 comprises one opening 1122. However, any number of openings 1122 in the container 112 is under the scope of the present subject matter.

[0040] The container 112 can have any structure. According to a preferred embodiment, the container 112 has a cylindrical structure, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0041] The cover 114 is configured to cover the opening 1122 of a container 112. Thus, the number of covers 114 of a cleaning capsule 11 is equal to the number of openings 1122 of the container 112. The cover 114 is configured to tightly cover a corresponding opening 1122 of the container 112 in a manner that prevents leakage of fluid from the container 112 outside. According to some embodiments, the cover 114 is configured to tightly cover a corresponding opening 1122 of the container 112 in a manner that prevents leakage of fluid into the container 112. Figs. 1A-B illustrate a container 112 and a cover 114 separated from each other.

[0042] Referring now to Fig. 2, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of an assembled cleaning capsule. In other words, Fig. 2 illustrates a cleaning capsule 11 where the opening 1122 of the container 112 is covered with a cover 114.

[0043] An exemplary mechanism for tightly cover the opening 1122 with the cover 114 is illustrated in Figs. 1A-B. In this example, the cover 114 is screwed over the opening 1122. Even though the cover 114 and the opening 1122 can have any structure, preferably the cover 114 and the opening 1122 are round in order to allow screwing of the cover 114 over the opening, as can be seen in Figs. 1A-B. Thus, according to this embodiment, the container 112 comprises an opening screwing thread 1124 around the opening 1122 and the cover 114 comprises a corresponding cover screwing thread 1142 at its rim.

[0044] Referring now to Fig. 3, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a sealing ring. In order to ensure complete sealing of the cover 114 over the opening 1122 of the container 112, the cleaning capsule 11 can further comprise a sealing ring 116 configured to tightly seal the cover 114 to the opening 1122. The sealing ring 116 can be made of any material, for example plastic, wire, rubber, silicone and the like. Furthermore, the size and shape of the sealing ring 116 correspond to the size and shape of the opening 1122 and the cover 114 in a manner that allows proper positioning of the sealing ring 116 in place such that complete sealing is achieved.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the container 112 is opaque, namely it is impossible to see the contents of the container 112 through the container 112. According to a preferred embodiment, the container 112 is transparent in a manner that allows seeing the contents of the container 112 without opening the cover 114. Similarly, the cover 114 can be opaque or transparent.

[0046] The container 112 and cover 114 can be made of any material that withstands effects of the cleaning medium inserted into the container 112. For example, the container 112 and cover 114 are made of a material that is not affected by a detergent, or a corrosive agent like a bleacher. In addition, the container 112 and the cover 114 are made of a material that withstands mechanical impacts, for example by the small objects that are in the container 112, and other factors, that will be described hereinafter. According to a preferred embodiment, the container 112 and the cover 114 are made of a type of plastic that is not affected by detergents and corrosive agents, and withstands mechanical impacts. According to another preferred embodiment, the container 112 and cover 114 are made of a heat-resistant material. In other words, the container 112 and cover are heat resistant. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the container 112 and the cover 114 are made of a material that withstands inner temperature levels typical to laundry washing machines and laundry drying machines. According to still another embodiment, the container 112 and cover 114 are made of a material that withstands temperatures up to substantially 80°C. In other words, the container 112 and cover 114 withstand temperatures up to substantially 80°C., or agitating

[0047] According to one embodiment, the container 112 can be in any size that is suitable for containing small objects to be cleaned and a cleaning medium, in a manner that allows proper cleaning of the small objects according to embodiments of the system and cleaning method described herein. According to a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical container 112, as illustrated for example in Figs. 1A and 2, is substantially 70 mm high, having a diameter of substantially 95 mm. It should be noted that these dimensions and structure of the container 112 are only exemplary and should not limit the scope of the present subject matter. [0048] The mechanism of cleaning of small objects with the system and by the cleaning method is based on movement of the small objects in a cleaning medium. Any type of movement of the cleaning capsule 11 containing the small objects and the cleaning medium is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example, but not limited to, shaking from side to side. According to a preferred embodiment, during the cleaning process, the cleaning capsule 11 containing the small objects and the cleaning medium are subjected to a rolling movement, for example a rolling movement exerted by a drum of a laundry washing machine, or a laundry drying machine. In other words, the cleaning and shining of the small objects by the system is by a rolling movement exerted by a drum of a laundry washing machine, or a drum of a laundry drying machine, in which the cleaning capsule 11 is placed during operation of the laundry washing machine, or laundry drying machine. An advantage of rolling the cleaning capsule 11 inside the drum of a laundry washing machine and a laundry drying machine is that the drum occasionally changes the rolling direction, thus improving the mixing effect of the rolling movement. Thus, a double cleaning effect is achieved - chemical cleaning due to the effect of the cleaning medium, and mechanical cleaning due to the movement of the small objects and the mechanical impacts the small objects are subjected to.

[0049] Thus, a method for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects by shaking, or rolling, the small objects in a cleaning medium, the method comprising:

providing a cleaning capsule 11 comprising:

a container 112 configured to contain a cleaning medium and small objects to be cleaned, and having at least one opening 1122; and

at least one cover 114 configured to tightly cover the at least one opening 1122; inserting small objects into the container 112;

inserting a cleaning medium into the container 112;

covering at least one opening 1122 of the container 112 with the at least one cover 114; and

shaking, or rolling, the cleaning capsule 11.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the small objects are jewelry.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the method for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects can comprise, before covering an opening 1122 of the container 112 with a cover 114 - placing a sealing ring 116 on the cover 114 or around the opening 1122 in a manner that enhances sealing of the cover 114 to the opening 1122. In other words, the method further comprising tightly sealing the cover 114 to the opening 1122 with a sealing ring 116.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the shaking, or rolling, of the cleaning capsule 11 can be performed manually. In other words, the cleaning capsule 11 with the small objects and a cleaning medium inside the sealed container 112, is held by a user and shaken, or rolled, for a period of time that is suitable for cleaning the small objects. In an embodiment where the container 112 and/or the cover 114 are transparent, the user can watch the small objects inside the container 112 and decide when the small objects are satisfactorily clean and the movement of the cleaning capsule 11 should be stopped.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the shaking, or rolling, of the cleaning capsule 11 can be performed automatically. For example, by attaching the cleaning capsule 11, with the small objects and a cleaning medium inside the sealed container 112, to a device that for example agitates the cleaning capsule 11, or moves the cleaning capsule 11 from side to side, or preferably rolls the cleaning capsule 11 automatically, thus preventing any effort from the user. Thus, according to this embodiment, the time consumed by a user in the process of cleaning the small objects is reduced to the time it takes to put the small objects in the container 112 with the cleaning medium, sealing the cover 114 over the opening 1122 of the container 112, and attaching the cleaning capsule 11 to the moving device.

[0054] In order to increase the mechanical cleaning effect, the system for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects can further comprise a plurality of cleaning particles 13.

[0055] Referring now to Figs. 4A-B, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, side perspective views of cleaning particles in various shapes. The cleaning particles 13 are configured to be inserted into the container 112 together with the small objects and the cleaning medium. During the movement of the cleaning capsule 11, the impact of the cleaning particles 13 with the small objects enhances the mechanical cleaning effect on the small particles. In other words, the cleaning particles 13 are configured to be inserted into the container 112, and enhance cleaning of the small objects. It should be noted that good cleaning results of the small objects are achieved by a combination of the chemical cleaning effect of the cleaning medium and the mechanical cleaning effect of the cleaning particles 13 and the movement of the cleaning capsule 11. [0056] According to one embodiment, the size and shape of the cleaning particles 13 is adapted to allow access of the cleaning particles 13 to points and spots on the small objects that otherwise are not mechanically accessible, for example when cleaning the small objects manually with a cloth, or for example with tools like a toothbrush. This embodiment contributes to the advantage of the system and cleaning method of present subject matter over prior art devices and methods for cleaning small objects, particularly cleaning jewelry, at home.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the size of the cleaning particles 13 is adapted to allow them to access points and spots in small objects, particularly jewelry, that otherwise are not accessible. For example, the diameter of a cleaning particle 13 can be in a range of a few millimeters. According to one embodiment, the diameter of a cleaning particle 13 can be in the range of substantially 1-10 mm. According to another embodiment, the diameter of a cleaning particle 13 can be in the range of substantially 2-6 mm. According to yet another embodiment, the diameter of a cleaning particle 13 can be in the range of substantially 3-5 mm. According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of a cleaning particle 13 can be substantially 3 mm. According to another preferred embodiment, the diameter of a cleaning particle 13 can be substantially 5 mm. It should be noted that the sizes of the cleaning particle 13 outlined above are exemplary only, and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter, but rather the size of the cleaning particle 13 should be suited to the purpose of reaching and impacting points and spots in the small objects that are being cleaned - points and spots that are particularly not accessible with prior art devices and methods for cleaning small objects, particularly jewelry.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the shape of the cleaning particles 13 is adapted to allow them to access points and spots in small objects, particularly jewelry, that otherwise are not accessible. Thus, the cleaning particle 13 can have any shape. According to one embodiment, the shape of the cleaning particle 13 is spherical, as illustrated in Fig. 4A. According to another embodiment, the cleaning particle 13 comprises at least one projecting element 132, for example two projecting elements 132, as illustrated in Fig. 4B. The projecting elements 132 are smaller than the cleaning particle 13 and can access very small points and spots on the small objects that otherwise are not accessible. It should be noted that the structures of the cleaning particle 13 outlined above are exemplary only, and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter, but rather the shape of the cleaning particle 13 should me suited to the purpose of reaching and impacting points and spots in the small objects that are being cleaned - points and spots that are particularly not accessible with prior art devices and methods for cleaning small objects, particularly jewelry.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the cleaning particles 13 are made of a material that is suitable to withstand mechanical impacts during the cleaning process of the small objects. According to another embodiment, the cleaning particles 13 are made of a material that is suitable to withstand the action of the cleaning medium during the cleaning process of the small objects. According to yet another embodiment, the cleaning particles are made of a material that is resistant to rust. According to still another embodiment, the cleaning particles 13 are made of a material resistant to corrosion. According to a further embodiment, the cleaning particles 13 are made of a heat-resistant material, for example a material that withstands temperatures up to substantially 80°C. Thus, for example, the cleaning particles 13 can be made of wood, glass, plastic, metal and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning particles 13 are made of stainless metal. According to another preferred embodiment, the cleaning particles 13 are made of stainless steel.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the method for cleaning small objects can comprise before covering at least one opening 1122 of the container 112 with the at least one cover 114: inserting cleaning particles 13 into the container 112.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the number of cleaning particles 13 that is inserted into the container 112 is suitable for efficient cleaning of the small objects that are inserted into the container 112. For example, the number of the cleaning particles 13 that are inserted into the container 112 can be in the range of substantially 10-1,000 cleaning particles 13. According to a preferred embodiment, a mixture of spherical cleaning particles 13, illustrated in Fig. 4A, and cleaning particles 13 comprising projecting elements 132, illustrated in Fig. 14B, is inserted into the container 112. According to another preferred embodiment, a mixture with a higher number of spherical cleaning particles 13 than a number of cleaning particles 13 comprising projecting elements 132, is inserted into the container 112. According to yet another preferred embodiment, a mixture of substantially 1,000 spherical cleaning particles and substantially 120 cleaning particles 13 comprising projecting elements 132 is inserted into the container 112.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining of the small objects is by using a household appliance that allows rolling of the cleaning capsule 11 during operation of the household appliance. Exemplary household appliances that can be used for this purpose are: a laundry washing machine, a laundry drying machine, and the like. In an embodiment, where the household appliance is a laundry washing machine or a laundry drying machine, the cleaning capsule 11 can be solely inserted into the drum of the appliance, namely without laundry. However, it is preferred to insert the cleaning capsule 11 into the drum of the appliance during regular washing or drying of laundry. This preferred embodiment has the following advantages: cleaning small objects in parallel to washing or drying laundry saves time and energy compared to an embodiment according to which the appliance is used only for cleaning the small objects. Another advantage is that laundry placed in drum of the appliance together with the cleaning capsule 11 serves as a mechanical shield reducing the mechanical impact of the cleaning capsule 11 with the drum.

[0063] Thus, according to one embodiment, in the method for cleaning, or shining, or cleaning and shining small objects by shaking, or rolling, the small objects in a cleaning medium, the shaking, or rolling, the cleaning capsule 11 is by inserting the cleaning capsule 11 into an appliance that allows rolling of the cleaning capsule 11 during operation of the appliance, and operating the appliance.

[0064] Another advantage of using a laundry washing machine or a laundry drying machine is the mode of rolling of the drum of the appliance. According to one embodiment, the drum of the appliance rotates always in the same direction. However, there are laundry washing machines and laundry drying machines where the drum alternately switches the direction of the rolling of the drum, and alternately changes the speed of rotation of the drum. This embodiment is preferred when using these appliances for cleaning small objects with the cleaning capsule 11, since alternately changing the direction and speed of rotation of the drum, increases the efficiency of cleaning of the small objects.

[0065] According one embodiment, any length of time of operation of the laundry washing machine and laundry drying machine, used for cleaning small objects, is under the scope of the present subject matter, as long as the length of time allows proper cleaning of the small objects. According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning capsule 11 is moved in the appliance for at least an hour.

[0066] Since some cleaning media clean better at increased temperatures, moving the cleaning capsule 13 in a laundry washing machine or a laundry drying machine allows heating of the contents of the cleaning capsule 11 during the cleaning. This is another advantage of using a laundry washing machine or a laundry drying machine for the cleaning of small objects. If a cleaning medium that cleans better at heat is used, it is preferred to use a laundry washing program or a laundry drying program that comprises heating at a temperature that is suitable for the cleaning medium, for example up to substantially 80°C.

[0067] According to one of the embodiments mentioned above, the cover 114 is configured to tightly cover a corresponding opening 1122 of the container 112 in a manner that prevents leakage of fluid into the container 112. This embodiment is important for example when inserting the cleaning capsule 11 into a drum of a laundry washing machine together with laundry to be washed. Thus, during the operation of the laundry washing machine the drum contains water that can enter into the container 112 of the cleaning capsule 11. Tightly covering the opening 1122 of the container 112 in a manner that prevents leakage of fluid into the container 112 is important in such instances.

[0068] As mentioned above, when using a laundry washing machine or a laundry drying machine for cleaning small objects while inserting the cleaning capsule 11 into the drum of the appliance - it is preferred to insert in parallel some laundry into the drum in order to decrease or eliminate the mechanical impact of the cleaning capsule 11 with the drum. In cases where the cleaning capsule 11 is inserted into an empty drum, impacting of the cleaning capsule 11 with the drum can cause an annoying noise, and can cause possible mechanical damage to the cleaning capsule 11 and the drum. Therefore, it is preferred to insert the cleaning capsule 11 into the drum together with cloths. The presence of cloths in the drum decreases the aforementioned deleterious effects, and also saves time and money because cleaning and shining of the small objects is performed simultaneously with cleaning or drying cloths, for example. Nevertheless, there can be instances when even though laundry is present in the drum together with the cleaning capsule 11, the cleaning capsule 11 is subjected to strong mechanical impacts with the drum during the operation of the appliance. In addition, there are cases when there will be a need to clean small objects and using a laundry washing machine or a laundry drying machine without putting in parallel laundry in the drum. As a result, the cleaning capsule 11 can be subjected to strong mechanical impacts with the drum that can cause damage to the cleaning capsule 11.

[0069] In order to prevent mechanical damage to the cleaning capsule 11, the system further comprises a shield 15, configured to at least partially cover the cleaning capsule 11, and at least decrease mechanical impacts to the cleaning capsule 11 during shaking, or rolling, of the cleaning capsule 11. According to a preferred embodiment, the shield 15 is configured to completely eliminate mechanical impacts to the cleaning capsule 11 during the shaking, or rolling, of the cleaning capsule 11. Any type of shield 15 that is suitable for at least decreasing, preferably completely eliminating, mechanical impacts to the cleaning capsule 11, is under the scope of the present subject matter.

[0070] Referring now to Fig. 5, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a shield in the form of a bag. According to one embodiment, the bag 152 is configured to accommodate the cleaning capsule 11, thus covering the cleaning capsule 11 and decreasing mechanical impacts to the cleaning capsule 11. The size of the bag 152 is suitable to accommodate the cleaning capsule 11. The material of which the bag 152 is made is suitable for shielding the cleaning capsule 11. Any material that can shield the cleaning capsule 11 is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example fabric, plastic, nylon, and the like. According to another embodiment, the material of which the bag 152 is made is resistant to high temperatures. According to yet another embodiment, the material of which the bag 152 is made is resistant to a temperature up to substantially 80°C.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the bag 152 comprises an opening 1522 through which the cleaning capsule 11 can be inserted into the bag 152 and removed from the bag 152. According to another embodiment, the bag 152 comprises a lace 1524 configured to tie the opening 1522 in order to prevent un-intended exit of the cleaning capsule 11 from the bag 152, for example during movement of the cleaning capsule 11. According to an additional embodiment, the bag 152 further comprises a stitch 1526 configured to accommodate the lace 1524 and allow proper tying of the opening 152Y2 of the bag 152. The bag 152 illustrated in Fig. 5 is in an open state, allowing insertion of a cleaning capsule 11 into the bag 152 and removal of a cleaning capsule 11 from the bag 152.

[0072] Referring now to Fig. 6, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a bag in a closed state. When a cleaning capsule 11 is inserted into the bag 152, the opening 1522 of the bag 152 is tied with the lace 1524, as can be seen in Fig. 5, in order to prevent un-intended exit of the cleaning capsule 11 from the bag 152.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the method for cleaning small objects further comprises, before shaking, or rolling, the cleaning capsule 11: covering the cleaning capsule 11 with a shield 15, thereby obtaining a covered cleaning capsule 11.

[0074] Referring now to Fig. 7, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view of a padding. According to one embodiment, the system further comprises 15 at least one padding 154. Any type of padding 154 is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example a padding 154 made of rubber, silicone, plastic, nylon, foam, sponge, and the like. According to one embodiment, the padding 154 can be configured to cover the cleaning capsule 11. According to another embodiment, the padding 154 can be configured to entirely cover the cleaning capsule 11. According to yet another embodiment, the padding 154 can be configured to partially cover the cleaning capsule 11. According to still another embodiment, the padding 154 can be configured to be inserted into the bag 152 together with the cleaning capsule 11 in order to at least partially cover the cleaning capsule 11 when inserted into the bag 152. According to a further embodiment, the padding 154 can be configured to be inserted into the cleaning capsule 11 together with the small objects, the cleaning particles 13 and the cleaning medium, in order, for example, to fill-in empty space inside the cleaning capsule 11 and prevent impact of the small objects on the walls of the cleaning capsule 11 during the shaking, or rolling of the cleaning capsule 11. For example, the padding 154 illustrated in Fig. 7 is a piece of sponge. Thus, the system can comprise at least one padding 154 according to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the method for cleaning small objects further comprises, before covering at least one opening 1122 of the container 112 with the at least one cover 114: inserting a padding 154 into the bag 152.

[0076] After the cleaning of the small objects is finished, for example after the laundry washing or laundry drying program is finished, the method for cleaning small objects further comprises: removing the covered cleaning capsule 11 from the appliance;

opening the cover 114 of the cleaning capsule 11, and

removing the small objects from the container 112 of the cleaning capsule 11.

[0077] According to one embodiment, after the cleaning of the small objects is finished, the method for cleaning small objects further comprises:

removing the shield 15 that covers the cleaning capsule 11; [0078] According to an embodiment in which the shield 15 is a bag 152, while removing the shield 15 that covers the cleaning capsule 11 - the cleaning capsule 11 is removed from the bag 152.

[0079] It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

[0080] Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.