WO2010116303A1

WO2010116303A1 - Cleaning system

Info

Publication number: WO2010116303A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/051428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Crispin Miles Russell
Original assignee: Cape Winds Trading 27 Cc
Priority date: 2009-04-06
Filing date: 2010-04-01
Publication date: 2010-10-14

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning system, and more particularly and but not exclusively, to a cleaning system capable of being used to clean laundry items as well as tableware. The present disclosure extends to a cleaning method for cleaning said laundry items and tableware and further extends to the use of the present cleaning system for cleaning purposes in washing machines and dishwashers. In according with a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides a cleaning system wherein negative ions are introduced into one or more washing cavities of a washing device and are capable of coming into contact with one or more items to be cleaned.

Description

CLEANING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning system, and more particularly but not exclusively, to a cleaning system capable of being used to clean laundry items as well as tableware. The present disclosure extends to a cleaning method for cleaning said laundry items and tableware and further extends to the use of the present cleaning system for cleaning purposes in washing machines and dishwashers.

Background to the Invention

A vast array of detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaches and the like are employed in conventional washing machines and dishwashers. Most detergents, washing powders, soaps and bleaches contain, inter alia, chlorine and phosphates for effective dirt, stain, grease and grime removal.

There are numerous disadvantages associated with the use of the aforesaid, particularly with respect to the effect that the eliminated rinse water solution containing spent chlorine, phosphates and other chemical compounds, has on the environment. A large amount of waste water eliminated from household and industrial washing processes has tremendously polluted our ecological environment and the harmful environmental effects that the waste water has on our ecosystem, particularly with respect to our environmental footprint, is a growing concern.

In addition to the detrimental environmental effects caused by such chemicals, said detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaches and the like are very costly, especially when taking into account the amount and the frequency that the aforesaid are used for household and industrial washing purposes.

The art teaches of various systems and methods for providing detergent-free washing. For example, in Japenese Patent Number 2000237485, a washing method is disclosed which is said to produce the same washing results as those that are obtained when the use of detergents are employed. The washing method disclosed in this patent requires a mixture of water and air to be passed through the clothes that are to be washed at high speed. However, this method requires the use of a special, customized washing machine and there are reports that the system does not sufficiently wash and remove the dirt and stains derived from oily components such as sebaceous matters.

U.S. Patent Number 2006/0258242 discloses a method of providing a detergent-free washing function wherein a fiber or a fiber product is subjected to hydrophilization treatment. The hydrophilization treatment includes either introducing a hydrophilic group or introducing a hydrophilic molecule to the fiber or the fiber product. The hydrophilization treatment may further include applying a coating agent containing a hydrophilic substance on the surface of the fibers or the fiber product.

Electrolysis cells comprising an anode and a cathode have been used in the art in a variety of different applications for changing one or more characteristics of a fluid. For cleaning and/or sanitizing applications, electrolysis cells are used to create anolyte electrochemically activated (EA) liquid and catholyte EA liquid. Anolyte EA liquids have known sanitizing properties and catholyte EA liquids have known cleaning properties. Examples of cleaning systems are disclosed in Field et a/. U.S. Publication No. 2007/0186368.

Making use of the electrolysis methods employed in accordance with the prior art to wash clothes and other items of laundry suffers from many disadvantages, particularly when such electrolysis methods are employed for washing purposes without the use of a detergent. For instance, one such disadvantage is the use of an electrolyte, for example sodium chloride and/or other activators, which is introduced into the washing water in order to enhance the electrolytic efficiency. Though the electrolytic efficiency is improved by adding the electrolyte, the subsequent change in water quality results in undesirable fabric hardening.

U.S. Patent Number 7,322,065 teaches of a disinfecting washing machine for disinfecting laundry. This disinfecting washing machine employs colloidal silver as an antibacterial agent or a bactericide. The colloidal silver is produced by forming silver ions (Ag⁺) and dissolving the silver ions in water. The disinfecting washing machine is equipped with a disinfecting liquid dispenser that produces colloidal silver through electrolysis wherein a positive and a negative voltage are alternately applied across two silver plates.

Various types of washing balls that are placed within washing machine drums are also known and described in the art. U.S. Patent Number 6,032,495 discloses a washing ball to be used in conjunction with a detergent, wherein the washing ball comprises an upper and a lower portion both of which have a semi-spherical shell body and which have a plurality of apertures therethrough. The arrangement allows for the upper and lower portions to be screwed together in order to form a spherical body capable of enclosing solid detergent therein. The washing ball is placed into the drum of a washing machine, allowing for the solid detergent therein to be dissolved in the water for washing purposes.

The art teaches of a further type of washing ball, currently trading under the trade name "Bio Globe", for use in washing machines that negates the need to use detergents, washing powders and bleaches. The antibacterial and cleaning effect of said washing ball is reportedly attributed to the ceramic composition of said washing ball, which composition includes a mixture of minerals having high far infrared emissivity, such as silicate minerals that contain kalium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and barium (Ba), Unlike the washing ball disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 6,032,495 which employs the use of detergents, the Bio Globe washing ball does not rely on the use of detergents. However, despite this, numerous shortcomings associated with this washing ball have been reported. One such shortcoming is the fact that fabric softeners cannot be employed in conjunction with such washing balls. A further disadvantage associated with the Bio Globe washing ball resides in the fact that the washing ball increases the wear on laundry items due to the mechanical action of the washing ball on the laundry items being washed. This mechanical action, together with the agitation of the washing machine, significantly wears the clothes thus limiting both the fabric quality and the lifespan of the laundry items. A yet further shortcoming is the limited lifespan of the washing ball. This, in turn, means that for efficient washing purposes, a user is required to frequently purchase a new washing ball, which could prove to be costly, time consuming and impractical to the user. Furthermore, such washing balls are limited to washing machine applications and cannot, for instance, be employed in dishwashers. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a cleaning system that is capable of achieving superior washing results without the need of detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaches and the like. In addition to this, the inventors of the present invention have realized that there is a need in the art for a cleaning system which does not suffer from the disadvantages associated with employing electrolysis and also which does not lead to increased wear on laundry items which negatively affects fabric quality and the lifespan of laundry items.

Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a cleaning system that, while being environmentally friendly and offers superior washing results, is also cost effective and convenient to use and which can be employed in conjunction with washing machines as well as with dishwashers.

Summary of the Invention

For purposes of the present specification and the appended claims, the following words and terms are defined to mean the following:

The word "ion" denotes an atom or other molecular entity that has acquired an electric charge by the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

The term "negative ion" denotes a negatively charged ion wherein the terms "negative ion" and "anion" are used interchangeably. The term "positive ion" denotes a positively charged ion wherein the terms "positive ion" and cation" are used interchangeably.

The word "item" as used herein denotes all items that are capable of being washed and includes, but is not limited to, laundry and tableware items.

The word "laundry" denotes all fabric and material items, including, but not limited to clothing and linen that are to be washed.

The term "tableware" denotes all forms of crockery, cutlery and glassware. The term "washing device" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any machine that washes laundry items, tableware items, or any other items capable of being washed. Accordingly washing machines, in terms of the conventional use of the word, as well as dishwashers, are included within this definition.

Furthermore, the word "washing device" as used herein is to be understood to encompass any machine used for washing purposes, wherein such machines have one or more washing cavities. Furthermore, it is to be understood that any type of machine used for washing purposes, whether it be for domestic use, industrial use, or whether it has been purchased, leased, rented or has been acquired by any other form of acquisition, falls within the definition of the term "washing device" as used herein.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning system wherein negative ions are introduced into one or more washing cavities of a washing device and are capable of coming into contact with one or more items to be cleaned.

There is provided for the negative ions to be generated by means of a negative ion generator. It will be appreciated that the negative ion generator employed in the present invention may be any type known and described in the art. In one embodiment of the invention, the negative ion generator is a commercially available negative ion generator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the negative ion generator is a commercially available negative ion generator that has been specifically adapted for use in the present invention.

The negative ions may be derived from any one or more elements constituting air. Preferably, the negative ions are derived from oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide or a mixture of one or more thereof.

In terms of the present invention, the negative ions are introduced into one or more washing cavities of a washing device. It will be appreciated that various ways exist by which the negative ions may be introduced into the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device, and thus the present invention is not limited to the specific manner in which the introduction of the negative ions into the washing cavity (cavities) is achieved. In an embodiment of the present invention, the negative ions are introduced into the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device by means of a conduit.

It will be appreciated that various ways exist by which the conduit may be introduced into the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device, so as to allow for the negative ions to be introduced therein. Accordingly the present invention is not limited to the specific manner in which the introduction of the conduit, and thus the negative ions, into the washing cavity (cavities) thereof is achieved.

In an embodiment thereof, the conduit is in communication, at one end thereof, with the washing cavity (cavities) of a washing device and at an opposite end thereof with the negative ion generator wherein the conduit serves to define a flow passage between the negative ion generator and the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device.

The conduit is typically in the form of tubing and is manufactured from an inert material. Alternatively, the conduit is manufactured from a negatively charged material or a material that will not affect the ionic charge of the air moving through it. The term "inert" as used in the specification denotes a substance's inability to react chemically or physiologically. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit is manufactured from an inert material. Preferably the conduit is manufactured from silicone, most preferably medical grade silicone. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable inert material, negatively charged material, or material that will not affect the ionic charge of the air moving through it, may be employed.

When water is introduced into the washing cavity for washing purposes, the negative ions present in the washing cavity are introduced to said water and come into contact with said water to form negative ion-rich water. It will be appreciated that a portion of the negative ions introduced into the washing cavity may remain suspended in the air present in the washing cavity.

Where the washing device referred to herein is a washing machine, an embodiment of the present invention provides for the conduit to be connected to any one (or more) of the apertures existing on the rear side of a conventional washing machine. In one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the outer drum of the washing machine is adapted to allow for insertion of the conduit there through so as to allow the conduit to pass through said aperture and to be introduced into the outer drum of the washing machine. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the aforesaid manner of inserting the conduit into the outer drum and that any other manner of introducing the conduit into the outer drum of the washing machine can be employed herein.

The abovementioned arrangement allows for the source of negative ions passing through the conduit to be introduced into the outer drum of the washing machine. By virtue of the apertures existing on the surface of the inner drum, a flow passage is formed between the outer drum and the inner drum of the washing machine. This flow passage enables the negative ions introduced into the outer drum of the washing machine to be introduced into the inner drum. Accordingly, when water is introduced into the inner drum for washing purposes, the negative ions now present in the inner drum are introduced to said water to form negative ion-rich water. It will be appreciated that a portion of the negative ions introduced into the inner drum may remain suspended in the air present in the inner drum.

Where a dishwasher is employed, an embodiment of the present invention provides for the negative ions to be introduced into the washing cavity of the dishwasher such that the washing action of the dishwasher facilitates contact between the source of negative ions and the water.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the negative ions may be introduced into the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device together with the water being introduced into the said washing cavity (cavities).

The washing machine discussed herein may be any washing machine of the type known and described in the art. For instance, the washing machine may be selected from a double-driven, impeller, agitator, or drum type washing machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a LG Direct Drive front-loading washing machine is employed. In the case where the present invention is to be employed in conjunction with a dishwasher, the dishwasher may be any suitable dishwasher of the type known and described in the art.

A further feature of the invention provides for the negative ion generator to be housed in a housing. The housing is manufactured from an inert material or alternatively, a negatively charged material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing is manufactured from silicone. Alternatively, the housing may be manufactured from any one of the following non-limiting types of materials, namely Polyvinylchioride (PVC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), High impact polystyrene (HIPS), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon 6/6, Polycarbonate, Polysulphonate, Polypropyleneor, or Polyurethane. However, any other suitable type of material may also be employed.

The cleaning system further includes a power supply unit. Depending on the application, i.e., whether the cleaning system is to be used for household or industrial use, the power supply unit is capable of supplying the necessary amount of power to the cleaning system.

The power supply is connected to an inert coated electrical wire, preferably a silicone coated electrical wire, at its first end thereof and to an air pump at its opposite end thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the silicone coated electrical wire is connected to an electrical plug for insertion into an electrical plug point. It will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used for coating the electrical wire and thus the electrical wire is not limited to being a silicone coated electrical wire. It will further be appreciated that the unit may be retrofitted to an existing washing machine or to an existing dishwasher. Alternatively, the unit may be installed during the manufacturing process of a washing machine or of a dishwasher.

In an embodiment of the present invention, both the power supply unit and the air pump are enclosed within the housing together with the negative ion generator. The present invention is not limited to the components disclosed herein as any further components not specified herein may be employed together with the components of the present cleaning system.

The air pump is preferably a centrifugal air pump. In one embodiment of the invention, the air pump contains a fan. The air pump is in communication with the negative ion generator at its one end and with the power supply unit at its opposite end.

It is preferable that the cleaning system further includes a filter means for limiting dust particles and other airborne species from the air entering the cleaning system. The filtered air entering the cleaning system is then introduced into the centrifugal air pump for use in the cleaning system as will be further described in detail herein below.

According to a second aspect thereof, the present invention provides a cleaning method including the steps of:

(i) providing negative ions on an ongoing basis during the washing device's wash and rinse cycle.; (ii) introducing the negative ions into one or more washing cavities of a washing device; and (iii) contacting the negative ions introduced into the one or more washing cavities with one or more items to be washed.

According to a third aspect thereof, the present invention provides a washing machine including a cleaning system substantially as described herein above.

According to a fourth aspect thereof, the present invention provides a dishwasher including a cleaning system substantially as described herein above.

It will be appreciated that the cleaning system of the present invention is suitable for both warm and cold water washes. The present invention will also be applied both on a household and on an industrial scale.

The inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly found that the present invention, which does not employ any detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaches and the like, achieves superior washing results in comparison to washing systems of the prior art The present invention therefore provides an effective environmental solution for washing laundry items, tableware items and any other items desired to be washed

The cleaning system of the present invention has no diverse effect on the wear of the items to be washed, in particular, on the wear of laundry items In this way, fabric quality as well of the lifespan of the laundry items is maximized

The cleaning system of the present invention is simple in structure and is convenient for installation in current washing machines and dishwashers so that current washing machines and dishwashers can be retrofitted with the cleaning system of the present invention in order to achieve superior washing results without the need of adding any detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaching agents and the like for washing purposes Alternatively, the cleaning system may be installed during the manufacturing process of a washing machine or a dishwasher

In addition to the foregoing, the cleaning system of the instant invention may also be used in conjunction with a detergent, preferably an environmentally friendly detergent, or with a fabric softener

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of certain embodiments of the present invention and from the accompanying drawings

Brief Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a cleaning system in accordance with the present invention wherein certain of the components of the cleaning system are housed within a housing and are in communication with a washing machine;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the housing and the components contained therein of the cleaning system of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 3 is a plan view depicting the components enclosed in the housing of the cleaning system of Figure 2.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the instant invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features throughout.

The embodiment described in detail herein is applied to a washing machine. However, it will be appreciated that a dishwasher or any other machine falling within the definition of the term "washing device" as discussed herein above, may also be used in further embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 depicts a cleaning system 1. As shown in Figure 2, enclosed in a housing 2 is a negative ion generator 11 connected to a silicone tube 7 which defines a flow passage between the negative ion generator 11 and a washing cavity (not shown) of a washing machine 8. It will be appreciated that the negative ion generator 11 employed in the present invention is of the type known and described in the art. Furthermore, the Applicant has designed the cleaning system 1 in such a way so as to allow for any type of conventional washing machine to be employed. As further shown in Figure 2, a power supply unit 13 is also enclosed within the housing 2. The power supply unit 13 is connected to a silicone coated electrical wire 6 at its first end thereof and to a centrifugal air pump 12 at its opposite end thereof. The centrifugal air pump 12 is also enclosed within the housing 2 and is connected to the negative ion generator 11 by means of connecting tubing 21. Figure 2 further shows a compartment 19 located within the centrifugal air pump 12 as well as a fan 20 contained therein.

Various ways exist by which the negative ions can be introduced into the washing cavity of the washing machine 8 and accordingly the present invention is not limited to a specific manner for achieving the same. In terms of the accompanying Figures, the negative ions are introduced into the washing cavity of the washing machine 8 by means of the silicone tube 7, as described below.

As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the silicone tube 7 is connected at a first end thereof to the negative ion generator 11 and to an aperture 9, located at the rear side of the washing machine 8, at an opposite end thereof. It will be appreciated that the silicone tube 7 may be connected to any one of the four apertures generally located at the rear side of a washing machine, or may even be adapted to be connected to more than one of said aperatures.

In one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the outer drum (not shown) of the washing machine 8 is adapted to allow for insertion of the silicone tube 7 there through so as to allow the silicone tube 7 to pass through aperture 9 and to be introduced into the outer drum of the washing machine 8. It will be further appreciated that the silicone tube 7 may be introduced through the surface of the outer drum of the washing machine 8 in any suitable way and is not limited to the above. The negative ions passing through the silicone tube 7 will flow from the outer drum into the inner drum (not shown) of the washing machine 8 by virtue of the flow passages defined by the apertures (not shown) located on the surface of the inner drum.

The silicone coated electrical wire 6 is connected to an electrical plug 17 for insertion into an electrical plug point (not shown). Figures 1 and 2 further depict the lid 3 of the housing 2 having a filter 5 for limiting dust particles and other airborne species from the air entering the cleaning system 1.

In use, a user wanting to employ the cleaning system 1 will introduce the silicone tube 7 into the washing cavity (not shown) of the washing machine 8.

When the user inserts the electrical plug 17 into the electrical plug point (not shown), the power supply unit 13 will activate the centrifugal air pump 12. This will, in turn, cause air to be drawn into the compartment 19 of the centrifugal air pump 12 through the filter 5 located on the lid 3 of the housing 2. Dust particles are known in the art to carry a positive charge and accordingly the filtered air entering the compartment 19 will have a reduced amount of unwanted dust particles and other airborne species and thus have a reduced amount of positively charged molecules.

The fan 20 in the centrifugal air pump 12 blows the air present in the compartment 19 through the connecting tubing 21 and through the negative ion generator 11. As the air passes through the negative ion generator 11 , an abundance of negative ions are generated. These negative ions are carried by the moving air from the negative ion generator 11 , through the silicone tube 7 and into the washing cavity (not shown) of the washing machine 8.

Once the washing machine 8 has been turned on, the ongoing supply of negative ions produced by negative ion generator 11 and introduced to the washing cavity as described above, these negative ions present in the washing cavity the negative ions present in the washing cavity (not shown) of the washing machine 8 will be introduced with the water that is subsequently introduced for washing purposes to form negative ion-rich water. The cleaning system 1 runs for the duration of the washing cycle, and in this way results in an abundance of negative ions to be introduced and absorbed into the water for washing and rinsing purposes.

The Applicant believes that a portion of the negative ions generated in accordance with the present invention may come into contact with the air occupying the washing cavity (not shown) of the washing machine 8. The Applicant believes that the choice of material employed in the manufacture of the tube 7 defining the aforesaid flow passage as well as the material used to manufacture the housing 2 is of particular importance. In this regard, it is essential that an inert or negatively charged material be used, as discussed hereinabove, as the use of such a material will prevent the undesirable neutralization of the negative ions produced by the negative ion generator 11 , which would be the case if a positively charged material were employed in the manufacture thereof.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that certain chemical phenomena are responsible for the superior washing results achieved by the present invention.

In accordance therewith, it is believed that the negative ions introduced into the washing cavity of the washing machine adhere to the surface of the dirt molecules present on the laundry items to be washed as well as to the fabric surface. In this way, a negative charge exists on the surface of the dirt molecules and on the fabric surface, resulting in electrostatic repulsions between the negatively charged surfaces. This repulsion prevents the dirt molecules from re-depositing on the fabric and ensures that the dirt molecules remain in the water. Electrostatic repulsion is believed to similarly exist when the cleaning system of the present invention is employed in conjunction with a dishwasher.

It is also believe that the negative ions may assume the role of a surfactant and in this way the negative ions play a key role in the removal of dirt molecules from items being washed.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Examples of the Invention

Stains of olive oil, blood, cacao butter, graphite, china ink and red wine were allowed to adhere to fabric samples. These stained fabric samples were used for the purposes of this example wherein an unwashed stained fabric sample was used as the Test Control.

Test Item No. 1 comprised a stained fabric sample washed with a domestic LG Direct Drive front-loading washing machine. The stained fabric sample was washed at a temperature of 40⁰C, was spin-dried and was thereafter air-dried.

Test Item No. 2 comprised a stained fabric sample washed as per Test No. 1 but where a domestic detergent was added during the washing process.

For Test Item No. 3, the cleaning system of the instant invention was employed in conjunction with a domestic LG Direct Drive front-loading washing machine. The stained fabric sample was washed at a temperature of 40°C, was spin-dried and was thereafter air-dried. No detergent was added during the washing process.

For Test Item No. 4 the cleaning system of the instant invention was employed in conjunction with a domestic LG Direct Drive front-loading washing machine. The stained fabric sample was washed at a temperature of 40°C, was spin-dried and was thereafter air-dried. In this test, a domestic detergent was added during the washing process.

Test Control and each Test Item were then measured using a Reflectometer as used by the British Textile Research Council (FCRA) in order to ascertain the percentage of stain removal achieved in each case. These values are indicated in Table 1 herein below.

The results of a "whiteness index" test for the stained fabric samples are shown in Table 1.

Note that the "whiteness index" is calculated as an average percentage of five points on two sides of the stained fabric samples measured by a Reflectometer as used by the British Textile Research Council (FCRA). Table 1

Discussion of Results

5

The results obtained from the above examples demonstrate the superior washing results achieved when the cleaning system of the instant invention is employed.

Where the cleaning system of the instant invention is employed without the use of 0 domestic detergent, namely Test Item No. 3, excellent stain removal was observed together with the least amount of stain re-deposition on the fabric samples.

Test Item No. 1 and 2 demonstrate very poor stain removal. Test Item 4, which employs the cleaning system of the instant invention together with the use of a domestic 5 detergent, shows improved stain removal in comparison therewith but not as good as the results obtained for Test Item No. 3.

As seen from the above results, the present invention affords superior washing ability, without the use of detergents, thus eliminating the harmful environmental effects associated with the use thereof. When compared with the results obtained from a conventional washing machine wherein the use of detergents, washing powders, soaps, detergents and the like was employed, it is evident that the present invention affords results that are both economically and environmentally desirable over the prior art. In particular, the cleaning system of the present invention provides an alternative to washing with environmentally harmful detergents and thus allows for detergent-free washing whilst at the same time producing remarkably cleaner, brighter and fresher clothes and other fabric items. Moreover, the cleaning system of the present invention prevents the discolouration of fabric which is caused by chloride, present in the aforesaid bleaches etc, and also serves to retain the elasticity of fabric.

As a result of not using detergents, the present invention is further advantageous in that chemical detergent residue is no longer present in cloth fibers after the washing process. This is particularly beneficial in cases where an individual is allergic to the use of certain detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaches and the like.

Furthermore, washing clothes with synthetic detergents requires substantial amounts of water and electric power to remove bubbles generated therefrom. The present invention, which does not employ the use of said detergents and the like, serves to significantly lower the amount of water used for washing and the time for rinsing, considerably contributing to saving both water and energy, thereby reducing our environmental footprint.

The present invention is capable of maintaining the pH spectrum of the washing water in the washing machine at the same level obtained when ordinary chemical detergents are employed.

It is envisaged that the present invention will be applied both on a household and on an industrial scale in washing machines.

As mentioned above, the application of the present invention also extends to the use of the cleaning system in dishwashers, both on a household and on an industrial scale.

It is envisaged that the cleaning system of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any type of detergent, particularly with a specifically designed detergent that is environmentally friendly, and/or with any type of fabric softner. Accordingly, it is envisaged that, in light of the above, the invention as described above will solve the shortcomings and disadvantages associated with known technology.

The above provides only certain embodiments of the present invention and it will be appreciated that many variants in detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the use of enzyme technology may optionally be employed to facilitate the cleaning effect of the cleaning system of the present invention. Moreover, the use of deodorants and fabric softeners may be incorporated in conjunction with the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning system wherein negative ions are introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle into one or more washing cavities of a washing device and are capable of coming into contact with one or more items to be cleaned.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1 , wherein the negative ions are generated by means of a negative ion generator.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the negative ions are introduced into the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device by means of a conduit.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein the conduit is in communication, at one end thereof, with the washing cavity (cavities) of a washing device and at an opposite end thereof with the negative ion generator wherein the conduit serves to define a flow passage between the negative ion generator and the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the conduit is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of an inert material, a negatively charged material or a material that will not affect the ionic charge of the air moving through it.

6. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the conduit is manufactured from silicone.

7. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative ions introduced into the one or more washing cavities come into contact with water introduced into said one or more cavities to form negative ion-rich water.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein a portion of the negative ions introduced into the one or more washing cavities remain suspended in the air present in said one or more cavities.

9. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative ions are introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle into the one or more washing cavities of the washing device together with water being introduced into the said one or more cavities.

10. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative ion generator is housed in a housing.

11. The cleaning system according to claim 10, wherein the housing is manufactured from an inert material or a negatively charged material.

12. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cleaning system is applied for household and industrial use.

13. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cleaning system does not employ any detergents, washing powders, soaps, bleaches and the like, therefore providing an effective environmental solution for washing laundry items, tableware items and any other items desired to be washed.

14. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cleaning system is to be used with current washing machines and dishwashers wherein current washing machines and dishwashers can be retrofitted with the cleaning system.

15. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cleaning system can be installed during the manufacturing process of a washing machine or a dishwasher.

16. A cleaning method including the steps of:

(i) providing negative ions on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle; (ii) introducing the negative ions into one or more washing cavities of a washing device; and (iii) contacting the negative ions introduced into the one or more washing cavities with one or more items to be washed.

17. The cleaning method according to claim 16, wherein the negative ions are generated by means of a negative ion generator.

18. The cleaning method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the negative ions are introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle into the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device by means of a conduit.

19. The cleaning method according to claim 18, wherein the conduit is in communication, at one end thereof, with the washing cavity (cavities) of a washing device and at an opposite end thereof with the negative ion generator wherein the conduit serves to define a flow passage between the negative ion generator and the washing cavity (cavities) of the washing device.

20. The cleaning method according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the conduit is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of an inert material, a negatively charged material or a material that will not affect the ionic charge of the air moving through it.

21. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the conduit is manufactured from silicone.

22. The cleaning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative ions introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle in the one or more washing cavities come into contact with water introduced into said one or more cavities to form negative ion-rich water.

23. The cleaning method according to claim 22, wherein a portion of the negative ions introduced into the one or more washing cavities remain suspended in the air present in said one or more cavities.

24. The cleaning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative ions are introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle into the one or more washing cavities of the washing device together with water being introduced into the said one or more cavities.

25. The cleaning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative ion generator is housed in a housing.

26. The cleaning method according to claim 25, wherein the housing is manufactured from an inert material or a negatively charged material.

27. The cleaning method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cleaning method is applied for household and industrial use.

28. A washing machine including a cleaning system wherein negative ions are introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle into one or more washing cavities of the washing machine and are capable of coming into contact with one or more items to be cleaned.

29. A dishwasher including a cleaning system wherein negative ions are introduced on an ongoing basis during the wash and rinse cycle into one or more washing cavities of the dishwasher and are capable of coming into contact with one or more items to be cleaned.