CA3057407C - Compact and portable rotary brush dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

A Semi-automatic, compact and portable rotary brush dishwasher (10) consisting uniquely designed brush pair (12 and 14) with internal water flow passages that is operated through electric motor (20 and 22) with efficient water and dish wash liquid discharge systems (47, 49 and 63) capable of cleaning and rinsing kitchen utensils of different sizes, shapes and geometry made up of various materials.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:
COMPACT AND PORTABLE ROTARY BRUSH DISHWASHER
DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to a wall or foot mountable rotary brush dishwasher combination.

2. Description of Related Art As can be seen by the reference to the U.S. Patent No. 2715741, the prior art lacks features such as compactness and also has high water consumption since the utensils have to be soaked and cleaned inside a water bath. The cleaning is not effective when there is significant increase in grease and stain levels. Also it is difficult to see the degree of cleaning once the water bath loses its transparency by the stains.
On the other hand, regarding another related prior art on the rotary brush with reference to U.S. Patent No. 1393663, although the brush has interior water holes similar to the ones in the present invention, it still lacks the capability of cleaning utensils of varying degree stains since that prior art was intended for different application altogether.
While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and practical portable dishwasher combination.
Although the modern electronics has led to sophisticated dishwashers, most of the commercially available dishwashers still suffer from following problems:
= They occupy large space.
= Their power consumption is high = Their water consumption is large.
= Utensils have to be pre-cleaned void of any garbage on them.
= Utensils have to be stacked orderly in the racks and made sure they are secure.
= Utensils of shapes too odd cannot be placed or cleaned properly.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 = Utensils have to be cleaned in batches but not in small quantities.
= Areas that can be reached by water jets alone can be cleaned properly but grease stains and sediments on corners of utensils cannot be cleaned efficiently.
= They have parts such as filters which need regular attention.
= Their principal costs and maintenance costs are high.
= Needs skilled and trained personnel to do any repairs.
= The quality of water adversely affects the life of the parts in them.
= Not affordable to all classes of people for the reasons mentioned above.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new and improved type of portable dishwasher combination and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the present invention provides a portable and compact semi-automatic dish washing machine consisting uniquely designed brush pair with internal water flow passages that is run through electric motor with specialized water and dish wash liquid discharge systems capable of cleaning and rinsing kitchen utensils of different sizes, shapes and geometry which are made out of materials such as stainless steel, porcelain and even glass.
This invention relates to dishwashers and more particularly to such machines which are adapted for household use that is user friendly and is available at affordable cost for mediocre class of people.
An object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of the type referred to, in which a pair of engineered helical brushes are in conjunction and operated in such a manner such that they efficiently clean both the interior and external surfaces of kitchen utensils of varying contours rapidly and in a manner that will be safe for use.
Another object of the invention is to provide in such an apparatus with a design that, after repeated use of the apparatus, eliminates the necessitated routine cleansing of the brushes themselves that are in contact with soil or grease during cleaning operation.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus with a compact design that is installable within the clearance between kitchen sink and adjacent wall.
A further object of the invention is to provide in this type of apparatus an improved construction of the operating connections for driving the rotary brush elements whereby these elements are operated in the association and at relative speeds for effectively and thoroughly cleaning ware of a very wide variation in contour.
Finally, an object of the invention is to provide a compact efficient apparatus for the purposes indicated, which may be economically manufactured, and which may be maintained in operative condition by providing easy replacement of parts, which may be required, as a result of wear or breakage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE
DRAWINGS
These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
Figure (1) is a perspective view of the portable dishwasher of the present invention showing the embodiment with all its constituents.
Figure (2) shows the front view of the dishwasher.
Figure (3) shows the rear view with the back lid removed.
Figure (4) shows the schematic electrical diagram of the dishwasher.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As it can be observed by reference to the drawings and in particular figure-1, figure-2 and figure-3, the portable dishwasher that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by number (10).
The portable automatic dish washer (10) includes a pair of uniquely designed, work safe, helical polyurethane brushes (12 and 14). The brushes (12 and 14) are identical to each other. The description of the brush is as follows The brush has three main elements. Core shaft, bristle base and Brush.

3 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 CORE SHAFT
= The Core Shaft is cylindrical and is fabricated from stainless steel. It has a through hole all along its axis. Also the shaft has a plurality of radial holes in it of a predefined pattern. The radial holes are arrayed both radially and axially along the shaft. The radial holes are not orthogonal but inclined at 45 degrees to the shaft axis. Further, the radial holes are aligned in such a way that their axis is flipped about orthogonal plane alternatively for each set.
= The diameter of the axial hole in the shaft is reduced just at the tip of the shaft.
= These arrangements of the radial and axial holes enable the washing fluid to flow through the axis and then expel out of the shaft radially along the shaft and axially at the tip, creating a fountain of washing fluid.
BRISTLE BASE
The Bristle Base is made up of polymer. It supports the bristle group and forms a rigid base that interfaces with the Core Shaft. The Bristle Base and Core Shaft are glued or fastened to each other. The Bristle Base has radial holes at relatively same locations and same orientation as that of the Core Shaft so that water expels thorough the shaft followed by the Bristle Base.
BRUSH
The brush is made up of bristles and is supported by Bristle Base. The brush envelope has cylindrical profile along its axis and has a hemispherical shape at its end. The cylindrical brushing element consist two groups of brush within. One group being taller and the other group are shorter. The taller bristles are made up of soft nylon material. The shorter bristles are made up of harder nylon than the taller ones. The heights are chosen such that, upon rotating, taller but softer brush does not bruise the hands of the person using it when in contact with the brush. Whereas, upon rotating, by virtue of application of force on utensils, the taller brush group bend laterally letting the shorter but harder brush to apparently protrude out and come in contact with utensils. This feature enables the brush to be unique from a point of view where it is safe on hands but rigor with cleaning

4 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 of utensils. Also the fountain of water coming out of brush augments the cleaning capabilities of the dishwasher, especially the inner and harder to reach surfaces of the utensils.
Working as a pair, the cylindrical surfaces enable cleaning of utensils' outer, inner and bottom surfaces thoroughly whereas the frontal hemispherical brush groups enable cleaning of the inner bottom surfaces of the utensils.
The curved flexible front surface of brush enables cleaning of utensils of both flat and contoured bottom surfaces.
The following are the advantages of the brush pairs:
= Utensils of shapes nominally two dimensional or with depth can be cleaned thoroughly.
= The utensils with depth can have cylindrical or non-cylindrical envelopes.
= Virtually impossible to reach areas with acute projections or deep contours such as bottom vanes of mixer jar, inner projected ribs of the mixer jar lid, bakelite handles with hollow constructions, metal handles' inner surfaces, annular holes of vessels can be reached effortlessly.
Further, cleaning items such as utensils with thin metal wires, inner blades of mixer jars which pose a safety hazard to hands can be cleaned safely.
The brushes (12 and 14) are supported and rotated by individual Core Shafts (16 and 18). The Core Shafts are driven by geared motor drives (20 and 22). Since the Core Shafts have to carry water in them, a drive system which is non-coaxial with the Core Shaft is adopted. The Core Shaft is supported by two bearing block pairs (24 and 26) that have precision ball bearings inside them. The precision bearings are of sealed type that prevents water ingress into them upon usage. The span of the each bearing block pair provides a rigid moment resistive support that withstands the turning moment on the shaft in vertical plane caused by the application of force on the brush.
MECHANICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
The two bearing block pairs (24 and 26) are mounted with precision locating holes of a metal plate named Face Plate (28). The Face Plate (28) also has

5 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 large holes at the center of locating hole group for the Core Shafts (16 and 18) to be slid in. The bearing block pairs (24 and 26) are assembled one on the front side and other on the rear side of Face Plate (28) such that their axes are practically collinear and does not hinder the rotation of the Core Shafts (16 and 18).
On the rear side of the Face Plate, past the bearing blocks, a bevel gear is fastened to each of the Core Shafts (16 and 18) named driven gear.
DRIVE SYSTEM
DC geared motors (20 and 22) are used to drive the Core Shafts (16 and 18). Each Core Shaft is driven by a separate geared motor individually so that the shaft speeds can be controlled independently. The geared motors (20 and 22) are mounted on Face Plate (28). They have a bevel gear fastened to their shafts named driving gear. The driving gear and driven gear are connected to each other perpendicularly so that power is transferred at 90 degrees. This perpendicular drive assembly generates required torque but also has smaller footprint and occupies very less room in direction of the thickness of the dishwasher ensuring its compactness which is one of the prime objectives of the invention.
The Core Shafts (16 and 18) extend past their driven bevel gear on the rear side of the Face Plate (28) and rotary elbows (30 and 32) are each connected to the rear end of the Core Shafts (16 and 18). The rotary elbows (30 and 32) have a stationary and rotating part with bearings interfacing them and are of leak proof design. The stationary part of the rotary elbows (30 and 32) are clamped to the Face Plate (28) and the rotary parts are fastened to the Core Shafts (16 and 18). When supplied with water, the rotary elbows (30 and 32) are capable of transferring the water from a stationary pipe into the Core Shafts (16 and 18) without any tangling although the Core Shafts (16 and 18) are rotating. The power supply to the drive system is controlled by the non-contact sensor (42).

6 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 WATER DISCHARGE SYSTEM - PRIMARY
The water discharge system consist (47) a terminal for water inlet (34), a flow control valve (36), a normally closed solenoid valve for water (38), electric water pump (40) and a series of piping system (46). The water could be obtained from a flowing water source such as tap water or a stationary water source such as water in a bucket or sump. The water is intended to be available at the inlet (34) during the operation of the dishwasher (10).
The flow control valve (36) is used to regulate the flow rate of the water into the system and its orifice opening is preset during manufacturing of the dishwasher which can also be altered during installation of the dishwasher (10) if required. The solenoid valve (38) is controlled by a non-contact sensor (42) that is coupled to a relay and ensures that water does not enter into system inadvertently due to reasons such as excessive water inlet pressure. When power is supplied to the water pump (40), the water is pumped and is fed to the pipes which then branch out to primary system and supply water to each of the rotary elbows (30 and 32). From rotary elbows (30 and 32) water is expelled out of the brushes (12 and 14) as discussed above. The non-contact sensor (42) is controlled by the control unit (44) in such way that each time it is triggered, the control system would turn on the power supply to the water pump (40) and also turn on the drive system motors (20 and 22). The sensor is placed in the mid-position between the brush pair (12 and 14) and would ensure the primary water discharge system and drive system would turn on as soon as User brings a utensil in the vicinity of non-contact sensor (42).
WATER DISCHARGE SYSTEM - SECONDARY
The water system optionally also has a secondary water dispensing system (49) which is branched off from primary water discharge system and feeds the other piping system (48). From there on, the water is fed to the two water discharge nozzles (52 and 54). The water discharge nozzles (52 and 54) are mounted on the other side of the Face Plate (28) in such a way that they eject water onto the top of the brushes (12 and 14). This feature enables simultaneous cleaning and rinsing of inner and outer surfaces of the utensils. The flow to secondary water discharge system is controlled by

7 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 another normally closed solenoid valve (50). And the solenoid valve (50) is controlled by a non-contact sensors (56 and 57) coupled to a relay. This sensor is also of similar operational configuration as that of primary water system's sensor wherein the control system (44) would turn on the power supply to the solenoid valve (38) whenever at least one of the non-contact sensors (56 and 57) is triggered. The two sensors placed at a spatial distance ensure that, as soon as larger vessels (that require relatively higher water flow for efficient and quicker cleaning) are brought in the vicinity of sensors' (56 and 57) range, the secondary water discharge system would turn on.
SOAP DISPENSING SYSTEM
The soap dispensing system (63) consist a container (58) for storing soap solution, electric liquid pump (60) and a series of piping systems (62). The soap solution is intended to be available in the container (58) during the operation of dishwasher. The electric liquid pump (60) is controlled by a non-contact sensor (66). When power is supplied, electric liquid pump (60) discharges the soap solution into the pipes (62) and then to the soap dispenser nozzle (68) where user deposits required amount of the solution onto the utensil surface.
CONTROL SYSTEM
The electric control system (44) of the dishwasher comprises an electric power cord (70) that receives AC power supply from a receptacle, a power supply unit (72) that converts high voltage AC to low voltage DC power, a plurality of sensors with relays and switches (42), (56), (57 and 66). Figure (4) describes the operation of the total control system (44) schematically.
The control unit (44) controls the power supply to the Geared motors (20) (Fig.4 ¨ mt1) and (22) (Fig.4 ¨ mt2), solenoid valves (38) (Fig.4 ¨Si), and (50) (Fig.4 ¨ s2), and the pumps (40) (Fig. 4¨ wt) and (60) (Fig. 4 ¨ sp). All the non-contract sensors (42) (Fig.4 ¨ ss2), (56) (Fig.4 ¨ ss3), (57) (Fig.4 ¨

ss4 and (66) (Fig.4 ¨ ss1) can be triggered just by waving the hand in front of them. This feature prevents the water ingress into system from user's hand which will be apparently wet during operation of the dishwasher (10).

8 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 These sensors (42), (56), (57 and 66) activate the relays which subsequently send power supply to their respective units. The whole system operates under low voltage DC power supply reducing the chances of electrocution to great extents. The power supply (72) unit is mounted in a water proof enclosure within the dishwasher (10).
All the non-contact sensors (42), (56 and 66) are looped into control system (44) with individual push buttons (Fig.4 ¨ sp, ws, owt) in parallel circuit.
This feature ensures that in case of malfunction of any of the non-contact sensors (42), (56), (57 and 66), the user can still operate the dishwasher manually by using push button for respective operations.
The Face Plate (28) also supports a switch panel (76) (Fig 4. Switching Panel) which has all the switches mounted on it. Also Face Plate (28) has a level indicator (78) to indicate the volume of the soap solution in the container (58). Further, the Face Plate (28) has a LED Panel also indicate the working status of all the non-contact sensors (42), (56), (57 and 66).
The level indicator is illuminated with a LED to work with low ambient light conditions.
INSTALLATION OF DISHWASHER
An enclosure (80) is made by attaching surrounding the Face Plate (28) on its four sides. A lid of removable type is envisaged at the back of the enclosure for servicing the parts. The enclosure has two or four anchor bolts with one end connected to the Face Plate that eject out of the dishwasher so that the machine can be fastened onto the wall rigidly. All the forces induced during operation are transferred to the wall through Face Plate and anchor bolts.
OTHER FEATURES
The dishwasher (10) also has a portable shower faucet (82) that has flexible tubing (84). The flexible tubing (84) is contained in a chamber (86) of the dishwasher (10) whereas its head is mounted on the external surface of the dishwasher (10). The other end of the flexible tubing is connected to the

9 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 main water inlet (34) via a flow control valve (88). The maximum flow rate of the shower faucet (82) can be controlled with the flow control valve (88) such that the water is delivered on the sink directly similar to the regular kitchen sink faucet. The arrangement is made in such a way that the head can be pulled out along the flexible tubing when needed and can be slid back in position once done. This feature enables manually rinsing things other than utensils. Also, since the dishwasher will be installed in lieu of existing faucets (tap), it serves as a standby water supply system in the event of power failure so that, manual dishwashing or other essential tasks can be still carried out.
The dishwasher also has few other features such a garbage can (90) that is mounted on the sides of the enclosure (80) to collect garbage on the utensils before cleaning them and a ring (92) on the other side that can be used to hang the cleaning towel if need be.
OPERATION OF THE MACHINE
Upon usage, to clean utensils, the user turns on the power switch on switching panel (76) followed by triggering the water pump power supply by its sensor (42) which creates water fountain all around the two pairs of brushes (12 and 14). User would collect appropriate amount of soap solution from the soap dispensing nozzle (68) by triggering its sensor. To dispense soap solution in higher quantity, the user will wave hand at it multiple times. Then the utensil is made to come in contact with the brushes (12 and 14). The user is free to choose the most appropriate position of the utensil to make in contact with brush. The brush then cleans and rinses surfaces in contact with its bristles and water fountain. The secondary water dispensers (52 and 54) may also be used to simultaneously rinse the other surfaces as required. The soft taller brush groups with densely packed bristles enable thorough cleansing of grease and oil stains, whereas the shorter harder bristles enable removal of tough condensed stains or sediments of utensils as a result of cooking.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31 The invention disclosed here has several advantages over the conventional dishwasher as follows 1. The dishwasher is very compact, occupies such a less room that it can even be installed just in small clearances between kitchen sink and wall.
2. The dishwasher can be installed in a kitchen whether new or existing and does not need any separate new space to be allocated.
3. The dishwasher needs very low power to run and is operated on low voltage DC power supply negotiating any apprehension of electrocution.
4. The brushes enhance the cleaning efficiency by maximum usage of cleaning surface. The water is not applied as jets at high speeds rather strewed covering a vast area. Since water requirement per unit area is very low the total water consumption is as low as 50% of normal water usage.
5. Since the soap is used just on demand, the soap consumption is also significantly reduced.
6. The unique combinations of brush groups make harder grease or oil stain and sediments to be cleaned.
7. The dishwasher does not need any stacking operation to be done like the conventional dishwasher. User is free to choose which one is cleaned first.
8. The utensils can be cleaned in small batches or large batches or even then and there as wanted.
9. The technology involved in making of this dishwasher is relatively simple making it easier to service even by semi-skilled technicians.

10. The cost of the dishwasher is far less than other dishwashers.

11. There are no consumable parts such as filters and maintenance

12. The entire embodiment is portable and can be carried in a compact case.

13. The dishwasher can be used outdoors as well in occasions such as outdoor parties, picnics etc.

14. The dish washer can be used to clean utensils made out of various materials such as stainless steel, porcelain and even glass.

15. No special training is required to use the dish washer.

16. Dish washer is very much user friendly and its operation is as simple as that of any kitchen equipment being used contemporarily.

17. Any service of the machine that might be necessitated can be done on-site itself.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31

18. With dishwasher's low capital, operating and maintenance costs, low power and water consumption, it is affordable to people of mediocre class and also for small refreshment stalls.
The dishwasher (10) can also be fabricated in such a way that it comes with an inbuilt kitchen (94) sink where the dishwasher (10) is mounted on the sink (94) in lieu of the water tap. Such embodiment could likely be used in a new house installation. Such installation can negate the use of anchor bolts altogether by supporting the dishwasher (10) at its bottom by the sink (94). To add up, such installation will make the whole unit to look trendy.
Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many changes or variations are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-31

Claims (10)

l claim:

1. A portable dishwasher (10), comprising:
a brush pair (12 and 14) with water flow holes and that is supported by Core Shafts with internal water supply passages as described and that is driven by a pair of DC motor drive system (20 and 22);
a primary water discharge system (47) that supplies cleaning water from a terminal into the rotating brush pair (12 and 14) through rotary elbows (30 and 32) as described below through a pumping system creating a water fountain within the brush pair surfaces;
a liquid soap pumping system (63) including a container (58) that dispenses soap solution from a nozzle (68);
a control system (44) that powers and controls the operation of primary water discharge system (47), soap pumping system (63) and brush drive system (20 and 22); and an enclosure (80) that encapsulates all the systems described above within it.

2. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 1 including a secondary water discharge system (49) that casts water over the brush pair (12 and 14); and has added controls to the control system of claim 1.

3. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 1 including a sink or washing receptacle (94) that is fitted onto the bottom for the dishwasher (10) to form a single assembly unit that is ready to install onto new kitchens.

4. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 1 wherein metal bristles are used instead of polymer bristles on the brush pair (12 and 14).

5. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 1 wherein the dishwasher has single brush with one DC motor drive system (20 and 22).

6. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 1 including a replaceable trash container (90) that can be taken out and cleaned; and a ring to hang a drying towel (92).

7. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 2 including a sink or washing receptacle (94) that is fitted onto the bottom for the dishwasher to form a single assembly unit that is ready to install onto new kitchens.

8. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 2 wherein metal bristles are used instead of polymer bristles on the brush pair (12 and 14).

9. A portable dishwasher (10) of claim 2 wherein the dishwasher has single brush with one DC motor drive system (20 and 22).

10. A portable dishwasher of claim 2 including a replaceable trash container (90) that can be taken out and cleaned; and a ring to hang a drying towel (92).