Abstract
A portable dishwashing apparatus includes a base unit and a hand unit in connection with the base unit. A soap mixture in the base unit is directed to the hand unit and exits the distal end of a cleaning head extension bar onto a cleaning head, which is used to scrub dishes. A trigger located on the hand unit controls the flow of water from the distal end of the rinse extension bar and the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar. The cleaning head is removably attachable to the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar and is structured to rotate and pivot to allow any one of several cleaning tools on the cleaning head to be moved into a cleaning position and constantly engage and follow a surface shape of an item being cleaned.
Claims
1. A cleaning head attachable to an end of a handle member, the cleaning head comprising: a front end, a rear end, a top and a bottom, a primary cleaning tool on the bottom, a first secondary cleaning tool at the front end, and a second secondary cleaning tool at the rear end; a connector member for removable attachment of the cleaning head to the end of the handle member and the connector member being structured and disposed to allow the cleaning head to freely rotate 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the handle member so that the primary cleaning tool can constantly engage and follow a surface shape of an item being cleaned, and further so that either one of the first and second secondary cleaning tools can follow the surface shape of the item being cleaned when in a cleaning position defined by either one of the first or second secondary tools being positioned forwardly and outwardly relative to a remainder of the cleaning head and the attached handle member; and the cleaning head being further structured and disposed to freely pivot relative to the handle member to allow either one of the first or second secondary tools to be selectively moved from a rearward position relative to the remainder of the cleaning head and the end of the handle member to the cleaning position.
2. The cleaning head as recited in claim 1 wherein the connector member is structured and disposed to receive a flow of liquid from the end of the handle member, and the connector member being further structured and disposed to direct the flow of water onto the cleaning head.
3. The cleaning head as recited in claim 2 wherein the connector member includes a female receptacle for snap-fit attachment of the end of the handle member therein.
4. The cleaning head as recited in claim 3 further comprising a cleaning head base defining at least a portion of the top of the cleaning head.
5. The cleaning head as recited in claim 4 wherein the connector member is pivotally attached to the cleaning head base.
6. The cleaning head as recited in claim 5 wherein at least one of the first and second secondary cleaning tools is on the cleaning head base.
7. The cleaning head as recited in claim 5 wherein the primary cleaning tool is a sponge attached to a bottom of the cleaning head base.
8. The cleaning head as recited in claim 5 wherein the first secondary cleaning tool is a scraping tool.
9. The cleaning head as recited in claim 5 wherein the second secondary cleaning tool is a scrubbing tool.
10. A cleaning head attachable to an end of a handle member, the cleaning head comprising: a front end, a rear end, a top and a bottom, a primary cleaning tool on the bottom, a first secondary cleaning tool at the front end, and a second secondary cleaning tool at the rear end; a connector member for removable attachment of the cleaning head to the end of the handle member and the connector member being structured and disposed to allow the cleaning head to freely rotate 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the handle member so that the primary cleaning tool can constantly engage and follow a surface shape of an item being cleaned, and further so that either one of the first and second secondary cleaning tools can follow the surface shape of the item being cleaned when in a cleaning position defined by either one of the first or second secondary tools being positioned forwardly and outwardly relative to a remainder of the cleaning head and the attached handle member; the connector member being structured and disposed to receive a flow of liquid from the end of the handle member, and the connector member being further structured and disposed to direct the flow of water onto the cleaning head; and the cleaning head being structured and disposed to freely pivot relative to the handle member to allow either one of the first or second secondary tools to be selectively moved from a rearward position relative to the remainder of the cleaning head and the end of the handle member to the cleaning position.
11. The cleaning head as recited in claim 10 wherein the connector member includes a female receptacle for snap-fit attachment of the end of the handle member therein.
12. The cleaning head as recited in claim 11 further comprising a cleaning head base defining at least a portion of the top of the cleaning head.
13. The cleaning head as recited in claim 12 wherein the connector member is pivotally attached to the cleaning head base.
14. The cleaning head as recited in claim 13 wherein at least one of the first and second secondary cleaning tools is on the cleaning head base.
15. The cleaning head as recited in claim 13 wherein the primary cleaning tool is a sponge attached to a bottom of the cleaning head base.
16. The cleaning head as recited in claim 13 wherein the first secondary cleaning tool is a scraping tool.
17. The cleaning head as recited in claim 13 wherein the second secondary cleaning tool is a scrubbing tool.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the portable dishwashing apparatus of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, and including a base unit with a thermometer for displaying the temperature of the water in the heater unit within the base unit, a set of controls for controlling the operations of the apparatus, and a storage compartment for an accompanying hand unit, and a tube separately encasing a soap line and a hot water line, and the tube connecting the hand unit with the base unit;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base unit showing a direct water supply inlet connection, a holding tank water inlet connection, a receptacle for the water holding tank, a water inlet valve knob, a drain tube, and a drain tube valve knob;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hand unit showing a rinse extension bar, a scraper, a rinse tube water exit, a thumb grip, a swivel pin for allowing pivoting of the rinse extension bar, a cleaning head extension, a cleaning head base with a filter or sponge material optionally enclosed by fabric, a trigger for operation of the hand unit, and a tube encasing the soap line and the hot water line;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view, shown in partial cross section, illustrating the hand unit of FIG. 3 in a static configuration, and showing a hand unit soap line extending directly through the cleaning head extension bar, a first hot water line, and a second hot water line, and a trigger for controlling the flow of water to the cleaning head and rinse extension bar;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view, shown in partial cross section, illustrating the hand unit of FIG. 3, and showing movement of the rinse extension bar and operational movement of the trigger;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the base unit of the present invention, showing a heater unit and a soap mixture tank enclosed therein, as well as the flow of water through the base unit;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an isolated perspective view of the cleaning head, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, showing an cleaning head extension bar with a first reduced hole for the soap mixture to exit the cleaning head and a second reduced hole for the hot water to exit the cleaning head, a male ring for snap-on attached engagement within a female receptacle of the cleaning head, a cleaning head base with associated filter or sponge material covered with an optional fabric, and further illustrating rotational movement of the male fitting on the end of the extension bar relative to the female receptacle, thereby allowing 360 degree rotation of the cleaning head;
[0031] FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of the cleaning head, in accordance with another embodiment, showing a female receptacle of the cleaning head, a cleaning head base with associated filter or sponge material, and a grouping of rubber brush bristles;
[0032] FIG. 9 is an isolated side view illustrating a range of pivoting movement of the cleaning head about a pivot pin relative to the distal end of the extension bar.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration showing the portable dishwashing apparatus of the present invention, and including a portable table unit upon which the portable dishwashing apparatus and portable water holding tank are supported, and further including a sink drain tube and a used water holding tank for storing excess soap mixture and water run-off;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a partly cross-sectional perspective illustration of the water holding tank showing the internal water pump, the holding tank water supply line, the holding tank inlet, a T-splitter, and a relief valve knob; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention directed to a portable and easily transportable dishwashing apparatus that does not rely on a power source or a connection to conventional plumbing.
[0036] Like reference numerals refer to like referenced parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Referring to the several views of the drawings, the portable dishwashing apparatus that is easily transportable, requires a minimal amount of water, and allows for quick and easy cleansing of dishes is shown according to the several embodiments of the invention and is generally indicated as 10.
[0038] In each of the embodiments of the invention, the portable dishwashing apparatus 10 includes a base unit 20 and a hand unit 60. Referring to FIG. 2, the rear panel of the base unit 20 includes a direct water supply inlet connection 22 and a holding tank water inlet connection 24, providing the user with the option of using a conventional plumbing system or other water flow supply as a water source or, alternatively, a portable water holding tank 110 as a source of water. A water inlet valve knob 26 controls whether the base unit 20 receives water via the direct water supply inlet connection 22 or the holding tank water inlet connection 24. For use in conjunction with the portable water holding tank 110, a holding tank receptacle outlet 28 is provided for receipt of the water pump plug 112 of the portable water holding tank 110. A soap drain tube 30 is provided to empty the soap mixture tank 158 that is located within the base unit 20. A drain tube valve knob 32 controls the exit of the soap mixture 162 via the soap drain tube 30. Lastly, a base unit overflow tube 57 serves to drain the base unit 20 in the event of an internal leak.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the top side of the base unit 20 includes a thermometer display 54 for indicating the temperature of the water exiting a heater unit 142 located within the base unit 20. A set of controls for controlling the operations of the portable dishwashing apparatus 10 is further included on the top side of the base unit 20, including: a heater unit control knob 34 for controlling the temperature of the heater unit 142, a water holding unit pump knob 36, a heater unit power knob 38, a water toggle switch 40, a pressure reducer control knob 42, and a soap adjustment knob 44. A storage compartment 46 for the accompanying hand unit 60 is provided that also serves to catch any water run-off from the hand unit 60 after being used. A hand unit drain tube 56 extends outwards from the base unit 20 for draining the excess water run-off within the storage compartment 46. A soap unit compartment 58 located on the base unit 20 can be opened to access the soap mixture tank 158. Extending from the front side of the base unit 20 are a hand unit soap line 48 and a hand unit water line 50 that connect the base unit 20 with the hand unit 60. Encasing the hand unit soap line 48 and the hand unit water line 50 is a hand unit connector tube 52.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the hand unit 60 is ergonomically structured for being grasped within a user's hand in a position that allows the user's forefinger to depress the trigger 64. The hand unit 60 includes a rinse extension bar chamber 76 that slideably captivates a rinse extension bar 66 that extends outwardly from the distal end of the rinse extension bar having chamber 76. A pivot pin 68 connects the rinse extension bar chamber 76 with the handle 62 of the hand unit 60 and allows for guided, pivoting movement of the rinse extension bar 66 and chamber 76 about the pin 68 and relative to the cleaning head extension bar 78 so that the rinse extension bar 66 can be moved towards the cleaning head extension bar 78 to hold the cleaning head 84 when it is freely pivoted upward during use which allows the scraper 103 to be instantly moved into a forward lower cleaning position when needed (see solid line drawing of cleaning head in FIG. 3). Then, when the user is finished using the scraper 103, the user can simply release the rinse hold bar 76 the cleaning head 84 will freely pivot down so that the primary cleaning tool 88 is instantly put back into its usable position (see broken line drawing of cleaning head in FIG. 3), thereby allowing the user to continue washing with no interruption which saves both time and water. A spring 77 at the swivel pin 68 urges the rinse extension bar 66 to a relaxed position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A thumb grip 70 is ergonomically placed along the rinse extension bar 66 to allow the user to easily extend the rinse extension bar 66 outwardly relative to the chamber 76 by applying pressure to the thumb grip 70. At the distal end of the rinse extension bar 66 is a scraper 72 that can be used to scrape dirty dishes during the cleaning process. A rinse tube water exit 74 is also located at the distal end of the rinse extension bar 66. The rinse extension bar 66 can extend out from and retract within the rinse extension bar chamber 76 to accommodate the user's needs.
[0041] Also extending from the handle 62 of the hand unit 60 is a cleaning head extension bar 78. Located at the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar 78 is a first reduced hole 80 for the soap mixture 162 to exit and a second reduced hole 82 for the hot water to exit, as shown in FIG. 7. A cleaning head 84 attaches to the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar 78, which includes a cleaning head base 86 and a primary cleaning tool 88 defined by a filter or sponge material suitable for scrubbing dishes. An optional fabric 90 covers the filter or sponge material 88. Additionally, the cleaning head extension bar 78 and the rinse extension bar 66 can be moved together, as illustrated by the broken lines in FIG. 3, allowing the user to reach narrow areas while cleaning. Multiple embodiments of the cleaning head 84 are contemplated, each of which can be interchangeably attached to the cleaning head extension bar 78, providing the user with a variety of cleaning options.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the structure of the cleaning head 84 and its method of attachment to the cleaning head extension bar 78 is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the cleaning head extension bar 78 includes a male snap-on attachment component 96, generally in the form of a ring, that engages a female snap-on attachment component 98, generally in the form of an annular groove, within female receptacle 92. This allows the cleaning head 84 to freely rotate in either direction around the axis of the cleaning head extension bar 78 (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7). This rotation allows the primary cleaning tool 88, the scraper 103, and the scrubber 104 to be able to freely rotate around the axis of the rinse extension bar 78 while in use so each tool can freely follow the shape of the item being cleaned. The receptacle 92 is pivotally held on a swivel rod component 100, allowing the cleaning head 84 to pivot about the swivel rod axis 102, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9. This free pivoting motion of the cleaning head 84 allows the user to instantly and effortlessly switch between the primary cleaning tool 88 and the scraper 103 while washing, and also allows the primary cleaning tool 88 to freely pivot while it is in use so that the primary cleaning tool 88 can freely follow the shape of the item being cleaned. Referring to FIG. 7, the female receptacle 92 receives a flow of hot water from the hand unit 78 via the hot water line 82 and also receives soap via the soap line 80. The soap and water are combined in the receptacle 92 and then directed through a hole 99 toward the cleaning tool that is in use, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5. This helps to keep all the tools clean and continually hot for faster yet more sanitary washing. A square opening 106 on the cleaning head base 86 allows the mixture of water and soap flowing from the hole 99 to be directed into the primary cleaning tool 88.
[0043] Several embodiments of the cleaning head 84 are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The cleaning head 84 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 includes the cleaning head base 86 with an integrally formed scraper 103 and the primary cleaning tool 88 consisting of filter or sponge material which may be covered by the optional fabric 90. The cleaning head 84 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a cleaning head base 86 with the scraper/squeegee 103 located on one end, and a scrubber 104 located on the opposite end. On the bottom side of the cleaning head base 86 is the primary tool 88 which, in this illustrated embodiment, is a sponge.
[0044] In operation, a water source is provided by the holding tank inlet tube 130 extending from the portable water holding tank 110, which is plugged into the holding tank water inlet connection 24. Additionally, or in the alternative, the direct line inlet tube 132 can be connected to a conventional plumbing system at the direct water supply inlet connection 22 to serve as a water source. Referring to FIG. 6, water from the direct line inlet tube 132 is directed to a pressure reducer 134, which the user controls with the pressure reducer control knob 42. The water from the direct line inlet tube 132 subsequently flows to the water toggle 136, which the user controls with the water toggle switch 40 located on the base unit 20.
[0045] The holding tank inlet tube 130 and the direct line inlet tube 132 converge at a valve 138, which controls whether water is received from the holding tank inlet tube 130 or the direct line inlet tube 132. The user controls the valve 138 with the water inlet valve knob 26 located on the base unit 20. Thereafter, the water flows in a cold water line 140 from the valve 138 to the heater unit 142. The water enters the heater unit 142 and is heated by the heater coils 144. A filter material 146 helps to even the flow of water through the heater. The water then exits the heater unit 142 via the hot water exit tube 148, where a thermometer 150 calculates the temperature of the water. The thermometer display 54 located on the base unit 20 displays the temperature calculated by the thermometer 150 to the user.
[0046] The hot water exit tube 148 then flows to a T-splitter 152, which splits the water into two separate linesthe hand unit water line 50 and the soap tank water line 154. The hand unit water line 50 travels directly out of the base unit 20 and enters the hand unit connector tube 52. The soap tank water line 154 approaches a soap tank valve 156, which controls the amount of water that enters the soap mixture tank 158. The soap tank valve 156 is controlled by the soap adjustment knob 44 located on the base unit 20. The water enters the soap mixture tank 158 and comes into contact with a soap concentrate, forming a soap mixture 162. The user can access the soap mixture tank 158 and replace the soap concentrate by opening the soap unit compartment 58 located on the base unit 20 and removing a cap 159 on the top of the soap mixture tank 158. Once the mixture tank 158 is filled with soap concentrate to the appropriate replacement level, the cap 159 is replaced and the compartment is closed. As more water enters the soap mixture tank 158, the level of the soap mixture 162 rises until reaching a soap fill level 164, at which point the soap mixture 162 begins to enter a soap exit tube 166, which is located within the soap mixture tank 158, through a V-cut 168 at the top of the soap exit tube 166. The soap mixture 162 then enters the hand unit soap line 48, which exits the base unit 20 and enters the hand unit connector tube 52. A soap drain valve 170 can be opened to release (i.e. drain) excess soap mixture 162 from the soap mixture tank 158 via a soap drain tube 30 that leads to a sink exit tube 193 (see FIG. 10).
[0047] The hand unit connector tube 52 encases the hand unit soap line 48 and the hand unit water line 50 and extends from the base unit 20 to the hand unit 60. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the hand unit soap line 48 and the hand unit water line 50 enter the hand unit 60, and the hand unit soap line 48 travels through the handle 62 and the cleaning head extension bar 78 of the hand unit 60, ending at the first reduced hole 80 (see FIG. 7), allowing the soap mixture 162 to exit onto the cleaning head 84.
[0048] Upon entering the hand unit 60, the hand unit water line 50 travels through the handle 62, ending at a hot water chamber 114 encased within the handle 62. The hot water chamber 114 is divided into separate chambersa cleaning head hot water chamber 116 and a rinse extension hot water chamber 118by spaced washers 120. A cleaning head hot water line 122 connects the cleaning head hot water chamber 116 with the second reduced hole 82 (see FIG. 7) for the hot water to exit onto the cleaning head 84. A rinse extension hot water line 124 connects the rinse extension hot water chamber 118 with the rinse tube water exit 74, located at the distal end of the rinse extension bar 66.
[0049] The trigger 64 controls whether water is taken from the cleaning head hot water chamber 116 or the rinse extension hot water chamber 118. When the trigger 64 is in a relaxed position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, water continuously flows from the cleaning head hot water chamber 116 to the cleaning head hot water line 122 via a hot water exit hole 126, and water is emitted from the reduced hole 82 onto the cleaning head 84. When the trigger 64 is depressed, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the hot water exit hole 126 is displaced, allowing water to continuously flow from the rinse extension hot water chamber 118 to the rinse extension hot water line 124, and water is emitted from the rinse tube water exit 74. When the trigger 64 is released, a spring 128 returns the trigger 64 to its relaxed position, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0050] A power cord 176 with accompanying power plug 178 extends out of the base unit 20, supplying power to the portable dishwashing apparatus 10. A water holding unit pump switch 172 is included within the base unit 20 for actuating water flow from the portable water holding tank 110 to the portable dishwashing apparatus 10, and is controlled by the water holding unit pump knob 36 located on the base unit 20. A heater unit power switch 174 controls the power supplied to the heater unit 142, and is regulated by the heater unit power knob 38 located on the base unit 20. A heating control switch 180, which is regulated by the heater unit control knob 34 located on the base unit 20, controls the temperature of the heater coils 144.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a portable table unit 190 having a sink unit 191 is used to support the base unit 20 and the portable water holding tank 110. The sink unit 191 further includes a sink drain tube 192 that is used to transport fluids received via the sink exit tube 193. The sink exit tube 193 receives excess soap mixture 162 via the soap drain tube 30, excess water run-off received via the hand unit drain tube 56, as well as water via the base unit overflow tube 57, to a used water holding tank 194. After the portable dishwashing apparatus has been used, the contents within the water holding tank 194 can easily be discarded by the user.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, the water holding tank 110 includes a water fill hole 1 for refilling the water holding tank 110 with water. In operation, the water pump 6, which is powered by the water pump plug 112, pumps water through the holding tank water supply line 3, which is sized to fit the holding tank water inlet connection 24 located on the base unit. In the event of an excessive amount of water being supplied to the base unit 20, a holding tank inlet 5 is provided to return the excess water to the water holding tank 110. A T-splitter 2 connects the holding tank inlet 5 with the holding tank water supply line 3 and is controlled by a relief valve knob 4.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 12, a further embodiment of the portable dishwashing apparatus is shown and is generally indicated as 200. The portable dishwashing apparatus 200 in FIG. 12 is particularly adapted for use while camping or at remote locations where connection to electric power and conventional plumbing is not available or practical. The portable dishwashing apparatus 200, shown in FIG. 12, does not rely on use of electric power or connection to a water supply source, such as conventional plumbing. The portable dishwashing apparatus 200 includes an insulated water holding tank 201 that is filled by removing cap 206. The insulated water holding tank 201 can be filled from any water source, including a fresh water lake, river, stream, collected rain water, or from a hose or faucet. The insulated water tank 201 is intended to be held upright, as shown in FIG. 12 so that a shelf 208 is positioned below the water tank 201. The shelf 208 is adapted for holding one or more canned heat sources 210 of the type that are commonly used when camping. When activated, the canned heat source 210, positioned on the shelf 208, serves to heat the water contained in the tank 201. A temperature gauge 207 is provided to indicate the temperature of the heated water within the tank. A handle 209 on the top of the tank 201 allows for easy transport and hanging support of the apparatus when in use.
[0054] A general soap mixture tank 158, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, and as particularly shown in FIG. 6, is used in this embodiment of FIG. 12. The soap mixture tank 158 is connected to the shelf 208 and/or tank 201 of the apparatus 200 with the use connecting rods 205 or other suitable structure. A water exit tube 202 extends from a bottom of the water holding tank 201 and interconnects with hot water supply line 50 at a juncture with a line extending from soap chamber valve 156 on the soap mixture tank 158. A manually operated water flow valve 204 is provided inline along the hot water supply line 50 between hand unit 60 and the juncture of the water supply tube 202 and the line exiting the soap chamber valve 156. A separate soap line 48 extends from the soap mixture tank 158 to the hand unit 60 in the same manner as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11. The hand unit 60 is the same as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, and as particularly shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1,3-5 and 7-9.
[0055] While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention which is limited only by the following claims as interpreted by the Doctrine of Equivalents.
