U.S. patent application number 13/098857 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for laundry appliance for washing small quantities of clothing.
This patent application is currently assigned to I+D+M Creative, LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew Cataudella, Fran Z. Slutsky.
Application Number | 20120085133 13/098857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37447058 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120085133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Slutsky; Fran Z. ; et
al. |
April 12, 2012 |
LAUNDRY APPLIANCE FOR WASHING SMALL QUANTITIES OF CLOTHING
Abstract
A portable washing appliance for washing small quantities of
clothing. A container open at the top has a first compartment for
receiving an item of clothing for washing. The container includes a
perforated basket which is motor or manually driven to effect a
washing operation as well as pre-soaked and rinse operations. Water
may be discharged from a first compartment in the container into at
least one second compartment, located either below or adjacent
thereto, which contains a removable waste receptacle. The waste
receptacle collects wash water, rinse water and water extracted
during a spin dry operations which may be discarded through a
kitchen or bathroom sink drain.
Inventors: |
Slutsky; Fran Z.;
(Providence, RI) ; Cataudella; Matthew;
(Cumberland, RI) |
Assignee: |
I+D+M Creative, LLC
Providence
RI
|
Family ID: |
37447058 |
Appl. No.: |
13/098857 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12885829 |
Sep 20, 2010 |
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13098857 |
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11381792 |
May 5, 2006 |
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12885829 |
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60681973 |
May 18, 2005 |
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60723457 |
Oct 5, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
68/23R ;
68/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20130101;
D06F 23/04 20130101; D06F 35/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/23.R ;
68/132 |
International
Class: |
D06F 23/04 20060101
D06F023/04; D06F 39/02 20060101 D06F039/02 |
Claims
1. A portable washing apparatus for washing small quantities of
clothing, comprising: a housing comprising a top opening and a
waste receptacle opening; a lid configured to cover the top
opening, wherein the lid is positionable in an open position and a
closed position; a wash compartment disposed within the housing,
the wash compartment comprising a top open end and a bottom end and
being configured to receive water therein; a perforated basket
residing within the wash compartment, the perforated basket being
configured to receive clothing therein; a manual actuator coupled
to the lid, the manual actuator configured to rotate the perforated
basket about a vertical axis; a valve coupled to the bottom end of
the wash compartment to allow water to be downwardly drained by
gravity from the wash compartment; and a waste receptacle disposed
within the housing below the wash compartment so as to receive the
water downwardly drained by gravity from the wash compartment,
wherein the waste receptacle is removable from the housing via the
waste receptacle opening to allow the drained water to be disposed
of.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an agitator
removably attached to the perforated basket.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid is hingedly connected
to the top open end of the wash compartment.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a locking latch
secured to the lid to maintain the lid in the closed position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manual actuator comprises
a crank mechanism.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manual actuator comprises
a pulley mechanism.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manual actuator comprises
a pump mechanism.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pump mechanism comprises a
reciprocating handle assembly.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manual actuator is
configured to rotate the perforated basket at a rotational speed
sufficient to centrifugally remove water from clothing within the
perforated basket.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a peripheral
reservoir disposed within the housing and extending along a
periphery of the top opening.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the peripheral reservoir
comprises a laundry detergent compartment.
12. A portable washing apparatus for washing small quantities of
clothing, comprising: a housing comprising a top opening and a
waste receptacle opening; a lid configured to cover the top
opening, wherein the lid is positionable in an open position and a
closed position; a wash compartment disposed within the housing,
the wash compartment comprising a top open end and a bottom end and
being configured to receive water therein; a perforated basket
residing within the wash compartment, the perforated basket being
configured to receive clothing therein; a pump mechanism coupled to
the lid and the perforated basket, wherein the pump mechanism
comprises a reciprocating handle assembly, and wherein the pump
mechanism is configured to cause the perforated basket to rotate
about a vertical axis when the lid is in the closed position and
the handle assembly is actuated; a valve coupled to a bottom end of
the wash compartment to allow water to be downwardly drained by
gravity from the wash compartment; and a waste receptacle disposed
within the housing below the wash compartment so as to receive the
water downwardly drained by gravity from the wash compartment,
wherein the waste receptacle is removable from the housing via the
waste receptacle opening to allow the drained water to be remotely
disposed of.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: an agitator
removably attached to the perforated basket.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the lid is hingedly
connected to the top open end of the wash compartment.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a locking latch
secured to the lid to maintain the lid in the closed position.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the handle assembly is
incorporated in the lid.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pump mechanism is
configured to rotate the perforated basket at a rotational speed
sufficient to centrifugally remove water from clothing within the
perforated basket.
18. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a peripheral
reservoir disposed within the housing and extending along a
periphery of the top opening.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the peripheral reservoir
comprises a laundry detergent compartment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120, as a continuation application, of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/885,829, entitled "LAUNDRY APPLIANCE FOR WASHING SMALL
QUANTITIES OF CLOTHING," filed on Sep. 20, 2010, which in turn
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, as a continuation
application, of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/381,792, filed on May
5, 2006, which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/681,973, filed on May 18, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/723,457 filed on Oct. 5, 2005. All of the
foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices which can be used
to wash clothes. Specifically, a portable washing appliance is
disclosed which permits washing of small wash loads and individual
delicate garments.
[0003] There is a need for a small appliance to wash a small number
of garments, particularly when traveling. It may be necessary to
quickly wash a single item or small loads so that it is available
when more traditional laundry services are unavailable, and the
only recourse to washing a single item is hand washing the item. In
this way, it is possible to launder socks, brassieres, underwear,
and other items without the need for conventional washing
facilities. While hand laundering has been the traditional way such
items are cleaned, hand laundering can be time consuming, messy,
and may otherwise preoccupy either a kitchen sink or bathroom sink.
In view of the foregoing, the present invention has been
conceived.
[0004] In dormitory rooms, apartments, nurseries, military
locations and any other facilities, conventional clothes washing
machine may not be available due to space or the necessity of a
water hose connection and drain for the waste water. Even when such
facilities are available, there are delicate items, like cashmere
sweaters, silk scarfs, etc. which should be hand washed to avoid
any damage to the fabric, or when someone wants a favorite item or
small quantity of clothes washed quickly and they do not want to
wait for a full load required with a standard sized washer.
Further, it is very wasteful to wash a small quantity of items in a
conventional laundry facility which is designed to wash a full load
of garments. These facilities do not lend themselves to a "quick
wash" of a small number of items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a portable laundry
appliance which does not require access to dedicated plumbing.
Specifically, the item is a self contained washing device which can
launder a limited number of items in virtually any location.
[0006] The portable washing appliance, in accordance with the
invention, includes a container which is open at a top thereof. The
container has a first compartment adjacent the top, containing a
perforated basket which is supported for rotation within the first
compartment. A water reservoir and detergent dispenser may be
optionally located around the periphery of the container opening
for supplying water and detergent for washing and rinsing the
garments.
[0007] A second compartment disposed preferably adjacent, such as
below, the first compartment is connected to the first compartment
by a passage which includes an electrically operated valve and/or
pump. The valve is operated to discharge water in the first
compartment into the second compartment. A motor drives the basket
in first and second alternate directions during a wash cycle. At
the end of washing, a valve or pump is operated and the water is
discharged into a waste receptacle which is located in a second
compartment adjacent to the first compartment. The waste receptacle
or receptacles are removable to allow any discharge water to be
discarded and the receptacle serves as a way to fill the laundry
device. An electronic wash cycle controller controls the supply of
water into the first chamber during wash and rinse cycles, as well
as operates the motor in both a wash cycle and spin/dry cycle
wherein water is centrifugally removed from the clothing. In some
configurations, a removable central agitator may be provided to
improve the washing effectiveness of the machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The novel features which are characteristic of the present
invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the
invention's preferred embodiments, together with further objects
and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing appliance in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the washing appliance
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention with the
lid in an open condition;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
during a water and detergent fill operation;
[0012] FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
during a wash and agitation operation;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
after water has been drained from the first compartment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
showing when a rinse operation is commenced;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
showing when the rinse water is discarded;
[0016] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
during a subsequent rinse operation;
[0017] FIG. 9 is cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
showing when the second rinse operation is completed;
[0018] FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 1
during an air spin operation;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the laundry appliance of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the laundry
appliance of FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view through the line 13-13 of
FIG. 11; and
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of an optional agitator
for use with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the appliance device 2
for washing clothes in accordance with the present invention. The
appliance 2 is well-suited for use as a countertop type of
appliance, operated from standard 115 volts electrical service.
However, the present invention is not limited in any way to such
use. For example, in some applications the device 2 may be
configured to operate from 12 volt DC voltage, which is commonly
found in automobiles. In fact, when properly configured, the device
2 may operate using any type or amount of electricity. Also, it may
be configured for use not only on a countertop but also for use on
the ground or floor.
[0024] The device 2 includes a container 11 having a top which is
closed by a hinged lid 12. An optional latch 35 may be provided to
ensure that the lid remains closed when the device 2 is in use.
Alternatively, a front load device (not shown) may be configured to
be loaded through a door on the front of the device instead of
through a hinged top. Electrical switches 15, 16 and 17 on the
appliance permit the operator to select several modes of operation.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, these
may be a normal wash cycle mode selected with electrical switch 15,
a time soak mode selected by switch 16, and an extract mode
selected by switch 17 which causes the water to be removed from a
garment by centrifugal force. The container 11 includes a
compartment 19 which receives a waste water receptacle 21. The
waste water receptacle 21 is inserted using handle 22 in a position
within the container 11 to collect and discard waste water
discharged during washing of the clothing item.
[0025] Specifically, the device 2 preferably provides controls for
a normal wash cycle, delicate wash, soak, spin as well as start and
stop control. These are just examples of what can be provided by
the present invention.
[0026] The device 2 of the present invention can optionally include
further components for optimizing and improving the washing process
that is carried out by the device of the present invention. For
example, as seen in FIG. 3, an optional inline heater 13 is
provided, which is electrically connected to a source of
electricity. As can be understood, heat can be used to improve wash
performance in certain circumstances, such as when washing whites.
Such a heater can be optionally added in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-10 as well as the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 11-13, as will
be discussed below. Still further, an inline generator 31 of ozone
and/or UW (ultraviolet) light can be added to the device 2 to
assist in disinfecting the clothes.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a similar section view showing lid 12 in an open
position, wherein an opening 23 receives a single or a small number
of garments to be washed at one time. The appliance in accordance
with FIGS. 1 and 2 is designed so that the user need not have full
access to laundry facilities, including water inlets, waste water
discharge pipes, or otherwise burden the normal facilities found in
a laundry room, hotel, kitchen or bathroom. Power cord 18 provides
standard outlet voltage to the device 2 for operation.
[0028] The washing appliance device 2 may have a pre-soak mode,
wherein a garment is inserted in the first chamber of a container
11 through the opening 23 and is permitted to soak for a period of
time. Alternatively, the device 2 may go directly into a wash cycle
where the clothing is agitated in a solution of water and
detergent.
[0029] In general, the device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is one of
many different configurations that is possible in accordance with
the present invention. The device may be broken down into different
sections or be provided as separate component parts that cooperate
together to provide the device 2 of the present invention.
[0030] It should be noted that FIGS. 1 and 2 show a device 2 where
the receptacle 21 is located below the container 28 so that the
water downwardly drains by gravity thereinto. It is also possible,
as shown in FIGS. 11-13 below, that one or more receptacles can be
provided and they can be either below or adjacent, such as to the
side, of the device. Thus, the device 2, in FIGS. 1-10, and 100, as
in FIGS. 11-13, can be configured any way as desired independently
of the location and configuration of the receptacle(s). For ease of
illustration and discussion herein, FIGS. 1-10 will be discussed in
connection with a receptacle 21 that is positioned below the
container 28. However, it should in no way be intended that the
scope of the present invention be limited to such a
configuration.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 3, a section view of the washing
appliance shows the device 2 when in an agitating mode of
operation. The water is located in a compartment 28, along with the
garment 10 to be washed. A perforated basket 24 is driven by a
motor 30 in alternate directions to agitate the solution of water
and detergent and the immersed garment 10. Optionally, as shown in
FIG. 14, a removable agitator 150 may be attached to the device,
such as to the basket 24, so that better cleaning may be achieved,
if desired.
[0032] It is also possible to provide a smaller insert container 28
and/or basket 24 to reduce the overall size of the load by reducing
the amount of water used. This would be particularly useful if only
a few garments are being laundry in order to save water.
[0033] In accordance with a first mode of operation, a self
contained water reservoir 25 is provided along the top periphery of
the opening 23. Water may be poured into the peripheral reservoir
25 through an opening 33 having a valve 27 prior to the start of
the washing cycle. Alternatively, the peripheral reservoir 25 may
be of a open trough-like configuration. The valve is shown as 27 on
the lower right inside reservoir 25. Laundry detergent may be added
through compartment 26. As an alternative mode of operation, water
and/or detergent may be conventionally poured in the first
compartment 28 by removing the empty waste receptacle 21, filling
it and then pouring the contents into the container 28.
[0034] It is also envisioned, in accordance with the present
invention, that wash water can be supplied to container 28 of
device 2 via a hose connection (not shown), such as from a sink or
other water source. An inline valve (not shown) can also be
provided to control the inflow of the water from the hosed
connection into the container 28. Such valved water flow from such
an optional hosed connection can be integrated into the operating
system of the device where control of such water flow, i.e. opening
of the inline valve, is directly controlled by button controls
15-17 on the device. It is possible that a setting is made on the
device 2 to indicate that a valved hose connection is made so that
the operating system of the device 2 directs and controls water
flow accordingly. In that connection, a water sensor can be
provided in the container to indicate when flow of incoming hosed
water should be stopped by closing off the inline valve.
[0035] The washing operation under control of motor 30 and a wash
cycle controller gently agitates the immersed clothing 10 by
rotating the perforated basket 24 in first and second opposite
directions as shown in FIG. 4.
[0036] Following a washing and agitation operation, the water
within the container 28 is released via the electrically controlled
valve 29 into waste receptacle 21 under control of the device wash
cycle controller. The basket 24 may be optionally spun at this time
while the water is running to help extract out detergent. The
ability to wash and then extract is not found in prior art laundry
appliances of the type of the present invention. Once the wash
water has been discharged into the waste water receptacle 21, the
controller then enters into a rinse cycle. During the rinse cycle,
more water is discharged through a second valve (not shown) in the
reservoir 26 to supply the rinse water. As an alternative
embodiment, the water may simply be added through the opening 23
when needed.
[0037] Following the rinse cycle, wherein the motor 30 has agitated
the washed clothing 10, the rinse water is similarly discharged
through valve 29 under control of the wash cycle controller as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0038] A second rinse cycle may follow wherein water is discharged
by the reservoir 25 or manually poured through opening 23. The
motor 30 is again driven in alternate directions to provide a
second rinsing of the clothing 10. The second rinse operation ends,
as shown in FIG. 9, with a discharge of the rinse water through
valve 29 into the receptacle 21 under the control of the
controller.
[0039] FIG. 10 represents the final spin dry operation, wherein the
perforated basket 24 is continuously rotated at a suitable RPM to
centrifugally remove water from the clothing 10. The basket may be
optionally spun at this time while the water is exiting to help
extract out water and detergent. The ability to wash and then
extract is not found in prior art laundry appliances of the type of
the present invention. Water is forced through the openings in
basket 24, and collects in the first compartment 28. Water
collected in the compartment 28 is again discharged through the
valve 29 under control of the device wash cycle controller. The
collected water is then discarded by removing the waste receptacle
21 from the second compartment and pouring it into a sink
drain.
[0040] According to additional embodiments, the motor 30 may be
replaced with a manual crank mechanism. The crank mechanism could
include a linkage connected to the basket 24 and operated by a
rotary crank arm, knob or handle extending from or disposed on the
lid 12 or a side of the container 11.
[0041] Alternatively, a pulley mechanism could be used to rotate
the basket 24. For example, such a pulley mechanism could include a
spindle attached to the basket and arranged to rotate the basket,
and a cord having one end wound about the spindle and another end
extending through an opening in the lid 12 or a side of the
container 11. A handle could be attached to the end of the cord
extending through the opening in the lid 12 or side of the
container 11. In such a mechanism, pulling and releasing the handle
would unwind and wind the cord, thereby spinning the basket 24.
[0042] According to another alternate embodiment, the basket 24
could be operated with a manual pump mechanism. The pump mechanism
may include a linearly reciprocating handle assembly incorporated
in the lid 12 and connected to the basket 24 with components that
convert the reciprocating motion of the handle into rotation of the
basket.
[0043] According to further embodiments, the water receptacle 21
may be replaced with two or even three receptacles having a
combined volume similar to that of the receptacle 21. Using
multiple water receptacles would allow for a more comfortable
carrying size and weight when filling and emptying the receptacles,
while still providing sufficient water capacity for soak, wash and
rinse cycles. The multiple receptacles may be stacked vertically or
side-by-side. An additional electronically or manually controlled
valve or pump could be provided to enable selective discharge of
water into each of the water receptacles following the wash, rinse
and spin dry cycles, or the valve 29 could be modified to enable
selective discharge of water into each of the water
receptacles.
[0044] The foregoing illustrates the basic wash operations of
preferred embodiments of the invention. The device may as indicated
provide a time soak before any washing operation by halting the
wash and agitate operation for a fixed period of time. The wash and
agitate operation may be dispensed within other applications, so
that only a time soak is provided, followed by the rinse cycle and
air-spin cycle. The appliance in accordance with the foregoing
figures will by routine programming of the wash cycle controller
allow for such alternative modes of operation. As indicated from
the controls of FIGS. 1 and 2, both the time soak operation, and an
air-spin only operation can be effected by operating each of the
controls as desired.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, an alternative embodiment 100
of the present invention is shown in detail. FIG. 11 shows a front
perspective view of the alternative embodiment while FIG. 12 shows
an exploded view thereof. Device 100 operates substantially the
same as device 2 in FIGS. 1-10, however, a number of receptacles
102a, 102b are positioned to the side and adjacent to the main
housing 104 of device 100 rather than below, as in the preferred
embodiment of device 2. A number of controls 106 and lockable lid
108 by latch 110 are also provided and serve the same functionality
as corresponding components of device 2 above.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view through the
line 13-13 of FIG. 11 is shown to illustrate the construction of
device 100. In this embodiment, controls 106 are provided on the
main housing 104. An outer container 118 is provided with a
spinning perforated basket 120 therein. An optional agitator 150 is
also provided. A motor 122 is employed to spin the basket 120.
After water is used after a given cycle, it is pumped by a pump 124
to one or both of the receptacles 102a, 102b adjacent to the main
housing 104 rather than to receptacle 21 below by gravity, as in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0047] In an example operation of the device 100, which is not
limited thereto, both of the side receptacles 102a, 102b are
preferably removed by the assistance of handles 126a, 126b and
filled with water. For example, each of the receptacles 102a, 102b
may have the capacity of 2 gallons each but this may be modified,
as desired. Water in one of the receptacles, e.g. 102a, is
preferably poured directly into the container 118 for washing and
the water in the other receptacle, e.g. 102b is poured into the
rinse water reservoir 128 for use at the appropriate time, namely
controlled delivery thereof into the container 118 via valve 130. A
detergent port 132 is also provide to facilitate delivery of
detergent without opening the lid 108.
[0048] Used wash water is preferably pumped by the pump 124 into
one of the receptacles 102a, 102b. The used rinse water is pumped
by the pump 124 into the other receptacles. It is also possible
that the pump 124 can be used to pump used water to one or more
receptacles 102a, 102b below the container 118. Or, the pump 124
can be used to pump used water to a single large receptacle to the
side or adjacent to the main housing 118. As can be understood, the
appropriate internal hoses 110, 112 and valves 114, 116 are
provided and controlled by control system of the device 100 to
control water flow and positioning throughout the wash cycle.
[0049] In view of the foregoing, a new and novel washing appliance
device 2, 100 is provided that is hoseless, that can be self-filled
and self-emptied during the wash cycle. The device 2, 100 is also
uniquely capable of water extraction. Such a device is not found in
the prior art.
[0050] The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and
describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows
and describes only the preferred embodiments of the invention in
the context of a laundry appliance for washing small quantities of
clothing, but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the
invention is capable of use in various other combinations,
modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or
modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as
expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings and/or the
skill or knowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described
hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of
practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to
utilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments and with the
various modifications required by the particular applications or
uses of the invention. Accordingly, the description is not intended
to limit the invention to the form or application disclosed herein.
Also, it is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments.
* * * * *