U.S. patent application number 15/482795 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-03 for device and method for washing drinkware.
This patent application is currently assigned to TON DUC THANG UNIVERSITY. The applicant listed for this patent is TOAN VAN LUU, Trung Thoi Nguyen. Invention is credited to TOAN VAN LUU, Trung Thoi Nguyen.
Application Number | 20210161356 15/482795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005413074 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210161356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUU; TOAN VAN ; et
al. |
June 3, 2021 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WASHING DRINKWARE
Abstract
A method and device for cleaning drinkware without using
electricity are disclosed including a handle, a shaft connected to
the handle, a cleaning brush connected to the shaft, and a top
section connected to the cleaning brush; when the interior bottom
of a drinkware is pressed down, creating a pressure upon the top
section, the cleaning brush is rotated in a first direction, and
when the pressure decreases, the cleaning brush rotates in a second
direction opposite to the first direction.
Inventors: |
LUU; TOAN VAN; (HO CHI MINH,
VN) ; Nguyen; Trung Thoi; (Ho Chi Minh, VN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LUU; TOAN VAN
Nguyen; Trung Thoi |
HO CHI MINH
Ho Chi Minh |
|
VN
VN |
|
|
Assignee: |
TON DUC THANG UNIVERSITY
|
Family ID: |
1000005413074 |
Appl. No.: |
15/482795 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 13/001 20130101;
A47L 15/4418 20130101; A46B 13/04 20130101; A47L 15/4278 20130101;
A47L 15/0068 20130101; A46B 13/026 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/00 20060101
A47L015/00; A46B 13/04 20060101 A46B013/04; A46B 13/00 20060101
A46B013/00; A46B 13/02 20060101 A46B013/02 |
Claims
1. A pushed-down rotary cup washing device, comprising: a handle; a
shaft connected to said handle; and a cleaning brush, connected to
said shaft, comprising a plurality of bristles; and a top section
connected to said cleaning brush, wherein when the interior bottom
of said cup is pressed down, creating a pressure upon said top
section, said cleaning brush is rotated in a first direction, and
when said pressure decreases, said cleaning brush rotates in a
second direction opposite to the first direction.
2. The pushed-down rotary cup washing device of claim 1 wherein
said top section further comprises a cleaning liquid ejecting head
connected to a top end of said cleaning brush, wherein as said
pressure is increased said cleaning liquid ejecting head ejects a
cleaning liquid into the interior of said cup.
3. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 2 wherein said
handle further comprises: an receiving end whose interior comprises
a chamber having a bottom end connected to a narrow cavity whose
diameter is smaller than the diameter of said chamber; an opening,
disposed at the bottom of said receiving end and connected to said
narrow cavity, adapted to receive said external cleaning liquid
into said chamber; a spout, disposed at the top of said receiving
end and connected to said chamber, adapted to output said cleaning
liquid; a hollow section having a bottom section, main body, and a
threaded top section, wherein said bottom section has a slightly
smaller diameter than those of said main body, said threaded top
section, and said receiving end , wherein said bottom section is
slidably engaged with said input section.
4. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 2 wherein said
handle further comprises: a bushing having a cam located at a
mid-section of said bushing; an elongated tube having a first
enlarged section and a second enlarged section, wherein said first
enlarged section rests upon said narrow cavity and said second
enlarged section rests upon said bushing; and a first compression
spring inserted into said elongated tube and extends from said
first enlarged section to said second enlarged section.
5. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 4 wherein said
elongated tube has a smaller diameter than said handle and said
shaft and extends from said cavity of said input section into said
cleaning liquid rejecting head.
6. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 5 wherein said
shaft further comprises: a spring rod; a second compression spring
enveloping said spring rod; and a cover enveloping both of said
second compression spring and said spring rod, wherein said cover
further comprises a top end and a threaded bottom end which is
threadedly connected to said threaded top section of said
handle.
7. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 6 wherein the
interior surface of said spring rod further comprises: a plurality
of spiral shaped grooves; and a spring retainer having a surface
area larger than that of said spring rod designed to retain said
second compression spring.
8. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 6 wherein said
cleaning brush further comprises: a cylindrical core; a plurality
of soft bristles extending from the outer perimeter and covering
the entire outer surface of said cylindrical core; and an
engagement member, connected to the bottom section of said
cylindrical core, adapted to engage with said plurality of spiral
shaped grooves so as to cause said brush head to mechanically
rotate when said push-down rotary cup washing device is pushed
down.
9. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 7 wherein said
cleaning liquid ejecting head further comprising: a half domed head
having a diameter larger than that of said shaft; a plurality of
holes located on top of said half-dome shaped head; a bushing part
located at the bottom center of said half domed head adapted to
connected with said elongated tube.
10. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 4 wherein said
engagement member further comprises an inner cylindrical opening
adapted to receive said elongated tube, an outer cylindrical having
a plurality of teeth that engage with said plurality of spiral
shaped grooves.
11. The push-down rotary cup washing device of claim 4 wherein said
plurality of soft bristles are arranged into six array of soft
bristles and each array is arranged in a straight line along the
longitudal length of said cylindrical core and each array forms a
sixty degree angle with respect to one another.
12. A drinkware cleaning box, comprising: a first compartment for
providing a first cleaning for a drinkware using a first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device; a second compartment for
providing a second cleaning for said drinkware using a second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device; and a distribution tube
network, distributed along the interior walls of said second
compartment and connected to said second pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device, adapted to receive an external source of cleaning
liquid for said second cleaning.
13. The drinkware cleaning box of claim 11 wherein said first
compartment further comprises a plurality of external bristles
densely disposed along all interior walls of said first compartment
and extending outward for said first cleaning during which said
first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device cleans the interior of
said drinkware and said plurality of bristles cleans the exterior
of said drinkware.
14. The drinkware cleaning box of claim 11 wherein during said
second cleaning said second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device
cleans the interior of said drinkware and said distribution tube
network cleans both the interior and exterior of said
drinkware.
15. The drinkware cleaning box of claim 14 further comprises: a
base; a base top surface placed directly on top of said base; a
main body, mounted on top of said base top surface and said base,
said main body further comprising said first compartment and said
second compartment separated from said first compartment by a
divider; and an insertion box removably inserted into said first
compartment, said insertion box fits snuggle into said first
compartment and further comprises: a lip located at a top corner of
said insertion box; a plurality of bristles positioned around the
entire interior surface area of said insertion box and extending
outward for cleaning the exterior of said drinkware.
16. The drinkware cleaning box of claim 11 wherein said first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device further comprises a cleaning
brush section and a handle section, wherein said handle section is
mounted vertically at said base top surface in said first
compartment, and wherein when the interior bottom of said drinkware
is pressed down creating a pressure on top of said cleaning brush
section, said first push-down cleaning brush is rotated in a first
direction, and said first pushed-down cleaning brush is rotated in
a second direction when said pressure is decreased.
17. The drinkware cleaning box of claim 11 wherein said second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device further comprises a cleaning
brush section and a handle section, wherein said handle section is
mounted vertically at said base top surface in said second
compartment, and wherein when the interior bottom of said drinkware
is pressed down, creating a pressure on top of said cleaning brush
section, said second pushed-down cleaning brush is rotated in a
first direction and said first pushed-down cleaning brush is
rotated in a second direction when said pressure is decreased.
18. A method of cleaning a drinkware, comprising: providing a first
cleaning of the interior and exterior of said drinkware by pressing
down the interior bottom of said drinkware to create a pressure on
top of a vertically erected first cleaning brush; causing said
first cleaning brush to mechanically rotate in a first direction
using said pressure; decreasing said pressure and simultaneously
causing said drinkware to rotate in a second direction opposite to
said first direction; providing a second cleaning of the interior
and exterior of said drinkware by pressing the interior bottom of
said drinkware to create a second pressure on top of a vertically
erected second cleaning brush; causing said second cleaning brush
to mechanically rotate in said first direction and simultaneously
ejecting an external source of cleaning liquid to the interior and
exterior of said drinkware; and decreasing said second pressure and
simultaneously causing said drinkware to rotate in a second
direction opposite to said first direction.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein causing said first cleaning
brush to mechanically rotate in a first direction further comprises
the steps of: cleaning the exterior of said drinkware using a
plurality of bristles as said drinkware is rotating in said first
direction and said second direction.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein said causing said first cleaning
brush to mechanically rotate in a first direction further comprises
the step of ejecting a second cleaning liquid to the interior of
said drinkware.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This is a patent related to a device for washing drinkware.
More particularly, this patent relates to a device for a
multi-staged washing drinkware without consuming electricity.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Every day, home and restaurants use a large quantity of
drinkware such as glasses, cups, mugs, etc. Manual washing of
drinkware is time consuming and is not thorough. This is especially
true in special occasions such as Thanksgiving, birthday party,
graduation party, or Christmas celebrations, Furthermore, working
people are too busy to wash drinkware every day.
[0003] To solve this problem, home owners or occupants use a
washing machine. However, washing machines are expensive and
require the use of electricity. The use of electricity increases
monthly utilities bills which adds to the total cost. Furthermore,
washing machines often breakdown. It is expensive to fix or to
replace a broken washing machine with a new one. In the meantime,
the use of drinkware continues, which creates inconvenience to the
users. Thus, maintenance costs add to the total costs of using
washing machines.
[0004] Above are the reasons why restaurants seldom use washing
machines and hire manual labors or to use plastic or paper
drinkware. However, plastic or paper drinkware create an
environmental problem because used plastic drinkware need to be
classified, disposed of, and recycled. If restaurants and
households use plastic or paper drinkware, it adds enormous
pressure on the current waste management issues.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective drinkware
washing device that does not use electricity.
[0006] There is a need for a simple drinkware washing device that
it is easy to fix during break-downs.
[0007] There is also a need for a drinkware washing device that can
provide thorough washings to different sizes, shapes, and types of
drinkware.
[0008] There is a need for alleviating the current waste management
problems by avoiding using plastic, paper, or other synthetic
material drinkware.
[0009] The drinkware washing device of the present invention solve
the above problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to
achieve a drinkware washing device that uses only mechanical
energy.
[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to achieve
a multi-steps thorough washing of drinkware similar to dishwashers
without using any electricity.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to achieve a
low cost drinkware washing device as compared to the high cost of
the commercial dishwashers,
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
method and a drinkware washing device that provide convenience and
usability to user.
[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
method and s drinkware washing device that is easy to fix when it
breaks down.
[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
drinkware washing device that can achieve thorough washings
regardless of different sizes, shapes, and types of drinkware.
[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to help
alleviating the current waste management problems by avoiding the
use of plastic, paper, or other synthetic material drinkware.
[0017] The above objectives are achieved by a pushed-down rotary
cup washing device of the prevent invention which includes a
handle, a shaft connected to the handle, a cleaning brush connected
to the shaft, and a top section connected to the cleaning brush;
when the interior bottom of a drinkware is pressed down, creating a
pressure upon the top section, the cleaning brush is rotated in a
first direction, and when the pressure decreases, the cleaning
brush rotates in a second direction opposite to the first
direction.
[0018] Yet the above objectives are achieved by a method of washing
drinkware without using electricity of the present invention, the
method including providing a first washing using a first variable
pressure that causes a vertically erected first pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device to rotate in a first direction and second
direction around a drinkware, and providing a second washing with
ejecting cleaning liquid using a second variable pressure that
causes a vertically erected second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device to rotate in a first direction and second direction around
the drinkware.
[0019] Yet the above objectives are achieved by a drinkware washing
box of the present invention that includes a first compartment for
providing a first washing for a drinkware using a first pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device; a second compartment for providing a
second washing for the drinkware using a second pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device; and a distribution tube network, distributed
along the interior walls of the second compartment and connected to
the second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device, adapted to
receive an external source of cleaning liquid for the second
washing.
[0020] These and other advantages of the present invention will no
doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after
having read the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, which are illustrated in the various drawing and
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a 3D diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
drinkware washing box in accordance to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a 3D diagram illustrating a perspective view of
internal components of the drinkware washing box of FIG. 1 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a 2D diagram of second pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device as shown in FIGS. 1-2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a 3D diagram 400 showing the internal components
of the second pushed-down rotary cleaning brush is illustrated in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5A is a lateral view of the second pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view across AA' axis of the
second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the first pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a 3D diagram showing the components of the first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device of FIG. 1 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective 3D diagram illustrating the
operating principle of second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device of FIG. 1-FIG. 5 in in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of washing
drinkware without using electricity in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description
of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present
invention.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 1, a 3D diagram illustrating a
perspective view of a drinkware washing box 100 in accordance to an
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In an
illustrative embodiment, drinkware washing box 100 includes a base
101, a main body 102, a top rim 103, a first compartment 110, a
second compartment 120, and a divider 104 that divides first
compartment 110 and second compartment 120. First compartment 110
is mainly hollow and includes a first pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device 112 that provides a first washing for a drinkware.
Second compartment 120 is mainly hollow and includes a second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 for providing a second
washing for the drinkware.
[0034] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a 3D diagram 200 illustrating a
perspective view of components of the drinkware washing box 100 of
FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
illustrated. In one exemplary embodiment, base 101 is a shallow
rectangular box with rounded ends and it is divided into a first
base section 1011, a second base section 1012, and a third base
section 1013. A base top surface 201 having the same shape is
placed on top of base 101. Base top surface 201 further includes a
first insertion hole 2011 for vertically erecting first pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device 112 and a second insertion hole 2012 for
vertically erecting second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device
121. Other multi-purpose holes 2013 are used to connect base top
surface 201 to base 101 using fastening means (not shown) such as
screws, pins, fasteners, glue, adhesive, etc. Multi-purpose holes
2013 are also used to drain excess cleaning liquid from second
compartment 120 into second base section 1012 and third base
section 1013.
[0035] Continuing with FIG. 2, a distribution tube network 220 is
connected to the handle of second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 121 to provide external cleaning liquid to second
compartment 120. Distribution tube network 220 is arranged along
the edges of interior walls of second compartment 120. A leg
assembly 2014 is fastened to top base surface 201 to secure
distribution tube network 220 in place. Third base section 1013 has
an entry opening 1014 so that distribution tube network 220 can
receive cleaning liquid from an external source. An insertion box
210 is inserted snugly into first compartment 110. A plurality of
soft bristles 111 are deposited on the entire inner surface area of
insertion box 210 and extended outward to scrub the exterior
surfaces of a drinkware. For this reason, first compartment 110 has
smaller volume than second compartment 120.
[0036] Continuing with FIG. 2, in operation, first compartment 110
is used for a first washing and second compartment 120 is for a
second washing of a drinkware. When a dirty drinkware such as cups,
glasses, mugs, etc. need to be cleaned and washed, the drinkware is
first inverted and its interior bottom is pushed down on top of
first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112. This creates a
pressure upon first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112. In
accordance to the present invention, this pressure causes first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 to rotate in a first
direction, e.g., a clockwise direction. The higher the pressure,
the faster the rotation. As the drinkware rotates, plurality of
bristles 111 cleans the exterior and first pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device cleans the interior of the drinkware. Next, as the
drinkware is cleaned and lifted off, the pressure upon first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 decreases. This causes
first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 to rotates in a
second direction, e.g., counter-clockwise, opposite to the first
direction.
[0037] Continuing with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second washing is
provided by second compartment 120 and second pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device 121. The cleaned drinkware is again inverted
with its interior bottom pushed down on top of second pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device 121. This creates a pressure upon second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121. In accordance to the
present invention, this pressure causes second pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device 121 to rotate in a first direction, e.g., a
clockwise direction. The higher the pressure, the faster the
rotation. As the cleaned drinkware rotates, cleaning liquid such as
water is ejected out the top of second pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device 121 and from distribution tube network 220. Next,
as the drinkware is cleaned and lifted off, the pressure upon
second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 decreases. This
causes second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 to rotates
in a second direction, e.g., counter-clockwise, opposite to the
first direction. The decrease in pressure stop the ejection of
cleaning liquid. Consequently, the drinkware is thoroughly washed
and rinsed off without using any electrical energy. Thus, the
objectives of the present invention are achieved.
[0038] Next, FIGS. 3-8 disclose different exemplary embodiments of
first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 and second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 that facilitate the
achievement of the objectives of the present invention.
[0039] Now referring to FIG. 3, a diagram 300 of the external view
of second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 is
illustrated. In an illustrative embodiment, second pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device 121 is structurally more complicated
than first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 because in
the second washing external cleaning liquid is also involved. From
the bottom to the top, second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 121 includes a handle 301, a shaft 302, a cleaning brush
303, a cleaning liquid ejecting head 304 which further includes a
plurality of cavities 3041 where the cleaning liquid is ejected out
into the interior of the drinkware (not shown). At the bottom of
handle 301 is an insertion section 3011 for inserting second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 into insertion hole
2012. The diameter of insertion section 3011 is smaller than handle
301 so that second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 can
be vertically erected perpendicular to base top surface 201.
[0040] Continuing with FIG. 3, as alluded earlier, insertion
section 3011 and insertion hole 2012 allow the replacement of
second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121. When second
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 121 is worn out or when
different types of drinkware are cleaned, Tea cups, champagne
glasses, and beer mugs all have different lengths, shapes, and
diameters. Other embodiments of second pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device 121 include different lengths and different types
and materials of bristles 3034 and different arrangements and
geometries of cleaning brush 303, depending on the types of
drinkware need to be cleaned. Yet in another exemplary embodiment,
cleaning liquid ejecting head 304 can also have bristles together
with cavities 3041 for washing the interior bottom of drinkware and
for ejecting cleaning liquid. In other embodiments of the present
application, cleaning liquid ejecting head 304 is made of soft
materials such as super soft Styrofoam, soft foams so that it can
go through any shapes and sizes of drinkware mouths,
[0041] Now referring to FIG. 4, a 3D diagram 400 showing the
internal components of second pushed-down rotary cleaning brush 121
is illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 301 includes
insertion section 3011, a cylindrical sheath 3012, a top threaded
section 3014, a first compression spring 402, a first compression
spring retainer 4021, a bushing 403 having a mid-section cam 4031,
a pair of first clevis pins (not shown), and a pair of first clevis
pins covers 406-407. Mid-section cam 4031 fits snugly inside
cylindrical sheath 3012 because mid-section cam 4031 has a slightly
smaller diameter than cylindrical sheath 3012. The top threaded
section 3014 has exterior threads located at the top of cylindrical
sheath 3012.
[0042] Continuing with FIG. 4, shaft 302 includes a spring rod 408,
a second compression spring 409 enveloping spring rod 408, a second
compression spring retainer 4091, a cylindrical shaft cover 3021
having clevis pin holes 3022 for lock on with the pair of first
clevis pins (not shown), a coupling sleeve 410 with an enlarged
section 4101, second clevis pins 4102, and a pair of covering means
413-4104. Spring rod 408 has smaller diameter than cylindrical
sheath 3021 and cylindrical shaft cover 3021. Spring rod 408 has a
bottom section 4081 that rests upon mid-section cam 3041. The
majority of spring rod 408 includes a plurality of spiral shaped
grooves. Coupling sleeves 410 also has a smaller diameter than
cylindrical shaft cover 3021 so that coupling sleeve 410 and
enlarged section 4101 are enveloped inside cylindrical shaft cover
3021. The interior of coupling sleeves 410 also includes a
plurality of teeth that engage with the plurality of spiral shaped
grooves of spring rod 408. This engagement creates the rotation of
second pushed-down cup washing device 121 when cleaning liquid
ejecting head 304 is pressed down by a downward pressure.
[0043] Still continuing with FIG. 4, cleaning brush 303 includes a
cylindrical core 3031, an insertion section 3032, pin holes 3033
for lock on with second clevis pins 4102, and plurality of soft
bristles 3034. In one exemplary embodiment, plurality of bristles
3034 is arranged in six rows. Each row of bristles 3034 is formed
along the longitudinal length of cylindrical core 3031 and at an
angle of 60.degree. with respect to other rows. Cylindrical core
3031 is hollow and has a diameter slightly smaller than cylindrical
shaft cover 3021. Insertion section 3032 rests upon enlarged
section 3101 so that cylindrical core 3031 fits snuggly within the
interior of cylindrical shaft cover 3021.
[0044] Referring still to FIG. 4, cleaning liquid ejecting head 304
has the shape of a half dome and includes cavities 3041. An
elongated tube 407 has a proximal end connected to handle 301 and a
distal end connected cleaning liquid ejecting head 304 by a bushing
mechanism (not shown).
[0045] Now referring to FIG. 5A, a perspective diagram 500A of
second pushed-on rotary cup washing device 121 with a receiving
section 510 is illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, receiving
section 510 includes an opening 511 for receiving an external
source of cleaning liquid. In the present application, cleaning
liquid is not limited to water, it can be dish soaps, detergent,
distilled vinegar, etc.
[0046] Next referring to FIG. 5B, a perspective diagram 500B
showing internal structure of second pushed-on rotary cup washing
device 121 along the longitudinal line AA' of FIG. 5A is
illustrated. In one exemplary embodiment, internally, receiving end
510 includes a chamber 5102 connected to a narrow cavity 5101.
Opening 511 is connected to narrow cavity 5101 for transferring the
cleaning liquid into narrow cavity 5101. A spout 512 is connected
to chamber 5102 for distributing cleaning liquid to distribution
tube network 220. Receiving section 510 has the same diameter as
cylindrical sheath 3012 so that insertion section 3011 can be slid
into the top of receiving section 510.
[0047] Continuing with FIG. 5B, elongated tube 407 has a first
enlarged section 4071 and first spring retainer 4021. First
enlarged section 4071 rests upon the mouth of narrow cavity 5101.
The top of first compression spring 402 is stopped by first
compression spring retainer 4021.
[0048] Next, FIGS. 6-7 disclose different exemplary embodiments of
first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112. In an
illustrative embodiment, first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 112 is structurally simpler than second pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device 121 because in the first washing external
cleaning liquid is not involved.
[0049] Now referring to FIG. 6, a diagram 600 of the external view
of first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 is illustrated.
From the bottom to the top, first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 112 includes a handle 601, a shaft 602, a cleaning brush
303, and a top section 604. At the bottom of handle 601 is an
insertion section 6011 for inserting first pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device 112 into insertion hole 2011. The diameter of
insertion section 6011 is smaller than handle 601 so that first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 can be vertically
erected perpendicular to base top surface 201.
[0050] Continuing with FIG. 6, as alluded earlier, insertion
section 6011 and insertion hole 2011 allow the replacement of first
pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112. When first pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device 112 is worn out or when different types
of drinkware are cleaned. Tea cups, champagne glasses, and beer
mugs all have different lengths, shapes, and diameters. Other
embodiments of first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112
include different lengths with different types and materials of
bristles 6033 and the geometry and arrangement cleaning brush 603,
depending on the types of drinkware need to be washed. In other
embodiments of the present application, cleaning liquid ejecting
head 304 is made of soft materials such as super soft Styrofoam,
soft foams so that it can go through any shapes and sizes of
drinkware mouths. In all embodiments, first pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device 112 and second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 121 can be used to wash laboratory glassware.
[0051] Now referring to FIG. 7, a 3D diagram 700 showing the
internal components of first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device
112 is illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 601 includes
insertion section 6011, a cylindrical sheath 6012, a top threaded
section 6013. The top threaded section 6013 has exterior threads
located at the top of cylindrical sheath 6012.
[0052] Continuing with FIG. 7, shaft 602 includes a spring rod 6024
having a bottom section 6023 that is inserted into cylindrical
sheath 6012, a compression spring 6025 enveloping spring rod 6024,
a compression spring retainer 6026, a cylindrical shaft cover 6021,
a coupling sleeve 701 with an enlarged section 7011, clevis pins
7012, and a pair of covering means 7013-7014 such as plastic caps,
bolts, etc. Spring rod 6024 has smaller diameter than cylindrical
sheath 6012 and cylindrical shaft cover 6021. The majority of
spring rod 6024 includes a plurality of spiral shaped grooves.
Coupling sleeves 701 also has a smaller diameter than cylindrical
shaft cover 6021 so that coupling sleeve 701 and enlarged section
7011 are enveloped inside cylindrical shaft cover 6021. The
interior of coupling sleeves 701 also includes a plurality of teeth
that engage with the plurality of spiral shaped grooves of spring
rod 6024. This engagement creates the rotation of first pushed-down
cup washing device 112 when top section 3604 is pressed down by a
downward pressure.
[0053] Still continuing with FIG. 7, cleaning brush 603 includes a
cylindrical core 6031, an insertion section 6032, pin holes 3033
for lock on with second clevis pins 7012, and plurality of soft
bristles 6034. In one exemplary embodiment, plurality of bristles
6034 is arranged in six rows. Each row of bristles 6034 is formed
along the longitudinal length of cylindrical core 6031 and at an
angle of 60.degree. with respect to other rows. Cylindrical core
6031 is hollow and has a diameter slightly smaller than cylindrical
shaft cover 6021. Insertion section 6032 rests upon enlarged
section 7011 so that cylindrical core 6031 fits snuggly within the
interior of cylindrical shaft cover 6021.
[0054] Still referring to FIG. 7, top section 604 has the shape of
a half dome and connected to cylindrical core 6031 by a bushing
mechanism (not shown). Bushing or connector that connects top
section 604 and cylindrical core 6031 is well-known in the art and
needs not discussed here.
[0055] Now referring to FIG. 8, a perspective 3D diagram 800
illustrating the operating principle of second pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device of FIG. 1-FIG. 5. In second compartment 120,
distribution tube network 220 provides cleaning liquid to the
interior and exterior of a drinkware 810.
[0056] To provide cleaning liquid to the interior of drinkware 810,
an input tube 5110 connects external cleaning liquid source, goes
through opening 1014, and delivers cleaning liquid to opening 511.
Receiving section 510 is slidably coupled to bottom section 3011
through insertion hole 2012. Thus, input tube 5110 is conveniently
located in third section 2013 of base 101 and second pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device 121 is erected vertically with cleaning
brush 303 near the rim of second compartment 120.
[0057] To provide cleaning liquid to the exterior of drinkware 810,
an output tube 5120 is located at the bottom of base top surface
201 connecting spout 512 to the remainder tubes of distribution
tube network 220. To maximize the available space, distribution
tube network 220 includes a plurality of tubes arranged along the
interior edges and around the circumference of the top surface of
second compartment 120. In an exemplary embodiment, because second
compartment 120 is a rectangular box with rounded end, tubes
connected together along the edges of second compartment 120 to
form a rectangular side tube section 820 that receives cleaning
liquid from output tube 5120. A curved tube 821 runs along the rim
of the top surface of second compartment 120 and connects the two
upper corners of rectangular side tube section 820 to form a
semicircle. Tubes which run along the rim of second compartment 120
and form the semicircle includes a plurality of spray holes 8201
where cleaning liquid ejected to wash the exterior of drinkware
810.
[0058] Continuing with FIG. 8, in operation, drinkware 810 is
inverted and its interior bottom is pushed down on top of cleaning
liquid ejecting head 304, creating a downward pressure 801.
Downward pressure 801 slides cleaning brush 303 down deep into
cylindrical shaft cover 3021. The intimate coupling between
internal teeth (not shown) of coupling sleeve 410 and plurality of
spiral-shaped grooves of second compression spring rod 408 causes
cleaning brush 303 rotate in a first direction 802. Depending on
the winding direction of spiral-shaped grooves, first direction 802
can be set to either clockwise or counter-clockwise. As cleaning
brush 303 is rotating, it sinks into cylindrical shaft cover 3021,
compressing second compression spring 409. At the same time, since
insertion section 4081 rests on mid-section cam 4031, bushing 403
compresses first compression spring 402. This increases the
pressure inside chamber 5102 and, in turn, causes cleaning liquid
to raise quickly in elongated tube 407 along a first current path
803. Finally, cleaning liquid is ejected out of plurality of
cavities 3041 into the interior of drinkware 810 by second current
paths 804 due to the thinness of elongated tube 407 and high
pressure inside chamber 5102. Thus, the interior of drinkware 810
is scrubbed by bristles 3034 and by the cleaning liquid along
second current paths 804 as second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 121 is rotating in first direction 802.
[0059] Continuing with FIG. 8, the cleaning liquid flows inside
distribution tube network 220 along rectangular tube frame 820 and
curved tube frame 821. The cleaning liquid exits out of
distribution tube network 220 by plurality of spray holes 8201
along a third path 805 to clean the exterior of drinkware 810.
[0060] Still referring to FIG. 8, after second washing as described
above, drinkware 810 is lifted off from cleaning liquid ejecting
head 304. As pressure 801 decreases and become a second pressure
802, first compression spring 402 and second compression spring 409
expand, pushing cleaning brush 303 out of cylindrical shaft cover
3021. This force causes cleaning brush 303 to rotate in a second
direction 8021. In the meantime, cleaning liquid still cleans the
interior and exterior of drinkware 810 by second paths 804 and
third path 805 due to the pressurized external cleaning liquid
source.
[0061] It is within many embodiments of the present invention that
a plurality of drinkware washing boxes as described in FIG. 1-FIG.
7 above can be placed next to one another to clean a bucket full of
dirty drinkware 810 as the same time. It is also within the scope
of the present invention that a valve can be implemented to control
the flow of the external cleaning liquid. This valve only opens to
allow the cleaning liquid to flow when cleaning liquid ejecting
head 304 is pressed down. Otherwise, this valve is closed when
pressure 801 is decreased to zero.
[0062] Finally, referring to FIG. 9, a method 900 for washing
drinkware without using electricity is illustrated. Method 900 is
embodied by drinkware washing box 100 described in FIG. 1 and FIG.
2 above. Furthermore, method 900 includes a first washing using
first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112 and a second
washing using second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device
121.
[0063] At step 901, a first washing is provided by using a first
pressure by a drinkware to rotate a vertically erected first
cleaning brush in a first direction around the interior of the
drinkware. It is within many embodiments of the present invention
that the first pressure is varied and proportional to the angular
velocity of the first cleaning brush. The harder the pressure, the
faster the first cleaning brush rotates, Step 901 is realized by
first compartment 110 and first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning
device 112. The structure and operation of first pushed-down rotary
cup cleaning device 112 are described in details in FIG. 6-FIG. 7
and FIG. 8 respectively. Within many embodiments of the invention
described above, as pressure 801 increases, first pushed-down
rotary cup cleaning device 112 rotates in first direction 8011
faster. Conversely, as drinkware 810 is lifted off, second pressure
802 decreases, first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device 112
rotates in second direction 8021 faster because of the kinetic
energy stored in compression spring 6025.
[0064] At step 902, a second washing with cleaning liquid is
provided using a second pressure by the drinkware to rotate a
vertically second cleaning brush in a second direction around the
interior of the drinkware. Step 902 is realized by second
compartment 120 and second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device
121. The structure and operation of second pushed-down rotary cup
cleaning device 121 are described in details in FIG. 3-FIG. 5 and
FIG. 8 respectively.
[0065] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the
invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how
detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be
practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted
that the use of particular terminology when describing certain
features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply
that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to
including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects
of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The
scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance
with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS
[0066] 100 drinkware washing box
[0067] 101 base
[0068] 1011 first base section
[0069] 1012 second base section
[0070] 1013 third base section
[0071] 1014 entry opening
[0072] 102 body
[0073] 103 top rim
[0074] 104 divider
[0075] 110 first compartment for a first washing
[0076] 111 plurality of external cleaning brushes
[0077] 112 first pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device (first
brush)
[0078] 120 second compartment for a second washing
[0079] 121 second pushed-down rotary cup cleaning device
[0080] 201 base top surface
[0081] 2011 first insertion hole (for connecting first brush)
[0082] 2012 second insertion hole (for connecting second brush)
[0083] 2013 multi-purpose holes
[0084] 2014 leg assembly
[0085] 210 insertion box
[0086] 220 liquid distribution tubes network
[0087] 301 handle of second brush
[0088] 3011 insertion section of second brush
[0089] 3012 cylindrical sheath of second brush
[0090] 3013 top threaded section
[0091] 402 first compression spring
[0092] 4021 first compression spring retainer
[0093] 403 bushing
[0094] 4031 mid-section cam
[0095] 405 first clevis pins cover
[0096] 406 first clevis pins cover
[0097] 407 elongated tube
[0098] 302 shaft of second brush
[0099] 408 spring rod
[0100] 4081 insertion section of spring rod
[0101] 409 second compression spring
[0102] 4091 second compression spring retainer
[0103] 3021 cylindrical shaft cover
[0104] 3022 first clevis pin holes
[0105] 410 coupling sleeve
[0106] 4101 enlarged section
[0107] 4012 second clevis pins
[0108] 4013 second clevis pins cover
[0109] 4014 second clevis pins cover
[0110] 303 cleaning brush of second brush
[0111] 3031 soft bristles of second brush
[0112] 3032 insertion section
[0113] 3033 second clevis pin holes
[0114] 3034 array of soft bristles
[0115] 304 cleaning liquid ejecting head of second brush
[0116] 3041 cavities for ejecting cleaning liquid for second
brush
[0117] 510 receiving section
[0118] 5101 narrow cavity
[0119] 5102 chamber
[0120] 511 opening
[0121] 5110 input tube
[0122] 512 spout
[0123] 5120 output tube
[0124] 601 handle of first cleaning brush
[0125] 6011 insertion section of first cleaning brush
[0126] 6012 cylindrical sheath of first cleaning brush
[0127] 6013 threaded section
[0128] 602 shaft of first cleaning brush
[0129] 6021 cylindrical shaft cover
[0130] 6023 bottom section
[0131] 6024 spring rod
[0132] 6025 compression spring
[0133] 6026 compression spring retainer
[0134] 701 coupling sleeve
[0135] 7011 enlarged section
[0136] 7012 clevis pin
[0137] 7013 cover means
[0138] 7014 cover means
[0139] 603 cleaning brush
[0140] 6031 cylindrical core
[0141] 6032 insertion section
[0142] 6033 clevis pin holes
[0143] 6034 bristles
[0144] 604 top section
[0145] 801 first pressure
[0146] 8011 rotation in first direction
[0147] 802 second pressure
[0148] 8021 rotation in second direction
[0149] 803 first current paths inside distribution tube network
[0150] 804 second current paths inside drinkware
[0151] 805 third current paths outside distribution tube
network
[0152] 802 rotation direction of second brush
[0153] 803 cleaning liquid flow directions
[0154] 810 drinkware
[0155] 820 rectangular side tubes section
[0156] 8201 plurality of spray holes
[0157] 821 curved tubes
* * * * *