Abstract:
A handheld dishwashing device for cleaning dishes and utensils includes a handle, a clean water tube for receiving and transferring a pressurized flow of heated water, a soap tube for receiving and transferring a flow of soap, a first and second clean water discharge port in fluid flow communication with the clean water tube, a trigger for selectively operating the flow of water to the first and second clean water discharge ports, at least one cleaning head component, a soap discharge port in communication with the soap tube for emitting the soap onto the cleaning head component, a cleaning head extension bar, and a rinse extension bar being structured and disposed for pivotal movement relative to the handle for holding the cleaning head component, thereby allowing for selective use of one of either the top or bottom sides of the cleaning head component.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a handheld dishwashing device and, more particularly, to a handheld dishwashing device that allows for easy, one-handed operation of the handheld dishwashing device, and requires a minimal amount of water, which can be accessed from direct hook up to plumbing or from a contained water supply. 
     Discussion of the Related Art 
     Over the years, automatic dishwashers have become commonplace in households in the United States, and provide a convenient method of cleaning and sterilizing dishes and eating utensils. Typically, dirty dishes are loaded into the dishwasher, which, in operation, sprays heated water at 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit onto the dishes. A detergent and water mixture is then used to clean the dishes, followed by clean water to remove the detergent residue. While such represents the typical dishwashing cycle process in both residential and commercial dishwashers alike, a number of advances have been made in recent years in an effort to further enhance the cleansing capabilities of dishwashers, such as the use of multiple wash and rinse cycle periods as well as the inclusion of rinsing aids. 
     A considerable drawback of traditional automatic dishwashers is the large amount of water required during each wash and rinse cycle. Such a negative characteristic becomes readily apparent when an automatic dishwasher is used when it is not filled to full capacity, which is likely to occur in households of one to three persons. Furthermore, a number of situations may present themselves to an individual who may have dirty dishes but is in a location lacking an automatic dishwasher. For example, a college dorm room rarely comes equipped with an automatic dishwasher, however, college students often utilize micro-refrigerators that include an attached microwave, which is used to heat entire meals. Consequently, college students must either purchase disposable paper plates and plastic eating utensils or engage in the cumbersome task of hand washing the dirty dishes. 
     Only a few dishwashing devices have been developed that can be used in a portable fashion. A number of these portable dishwashing devices are non-electric, and are powered by water pressure alone. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,756 discloses a portable non-electric dishwasher system that is especially suited for insertion within a sink and includes an enclosed dish-holding container, and is entirely reliant on the water pressure supplied by an outside source. Suspended throughout the interior of the enclosure is a series of expansible water bladders having multiple apertures for spraying water on the dirty dishes. With the application of the pressurized water, the bladders expand, which effectively scrubs the dirty dishes. The continued expansion of the bladders eventually triggers an outflush of water from the apertures, thus rinsing the dirty dishes. This scrub and rinse cycle continues over a period of time as determined by the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,014 discloses a portable countertop dishwasher that is electrically powered and structured for placement alongside a sink. The portable countertop dishwasher includes a housing cavity with a fluid handling assembly contained therein and having an upper pump and a lower pump, each within its own housing. In operation, the pumps distribute fluid amongst the dishes within the housing cavity, with an outlet conduit serving to release the fluid from the housing. 
     While the portable dishwashing devices described above are useful for their intended purpose, there remains a need for a more practical and efficient portable dishwashing device that is easily transportable and allows for quick and easy cleansing of dirty dishes. The present invention seeks to address the limitations and shortcomings of presently known portable dishwashing devices, as well as to effectively minimize the amount of water that is wasted during the cleansing process. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     Considering the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device that allows for easy, one handed operation in order to wash dishes, glasses cups, eating utensils, pots, pans and the like, on an as needed basis. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device that allows for fast and easy dishwashing, and that is ready to use, on demand. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device which is adapted to clean one dish in a matter of seconds with no wasted water and considerably less energy uses as compared to other conventional dishwashing systems and dishwashing methods. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device that is adapted to soap and rinse at the same time, thereby saving time, energy and water. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device that is structured to direct hot water directly into a cleaning head while helping to keep food and germs out of the cleaning head. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device that provides a pivotable and rotatable cleaning head that receives a flow of hot water and soap mixture, and wherein the cleaning head surface remains hot even when turned upside down. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device that provides a rinse extension arm that is structured and disposed for holding the cleaning head in position. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a handheld dishwashing device as set forth above, and wherein the cleaning head is structured and disposed for wiping, scraping and scrubbing dishes, pots, pans and the like. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a handheld dishwashing device that is easily transportable and allows for quick and easy cleansing of dishes. The handheld dishwashing device includes a cleaning head component having top and bottom cleaning sides for brushing, scraping, and wiping dish surfaces, and for further applying heated water and soap mixture in order to wash dishes and utensils. A rinse extension bar is pivotally connected to the handle of the device and is provided for engaging the cleaning head component for holding the cleaning head component and preventing rotational or pivotal movement of the cleaning head component, thereby allowing for selective use of one of either the top or bottom sides of the cleaning head component. The handheld dishwashing device also provides a clean and rinse function to rinse the soapy water from the cleaned dishes and utensils. The handheld dishwashing device is adapted for connection to a conventional plumbing system or other water flow supply source via attachment or, alternatively, supplied from a portable water holding tank in connection with a base unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the handheld dishwashing device of the present invention illustrating a rinse extension bar, a scraper, a rinse tube water exit, a thumb grip, a swivel pin for allowing pivoting of the rinse extension bar, a cleaning head extension, a cleaning head base with a filter or sponge material optionally enclosed by fabric, a trigger for operation of the handheld dishwashing device, and a tube encasing the soap line and the hot water line; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view, shown in partial cross section, illustrating the handheld dishwashing device of the present invention in a static configuration, and showing a soap line extending directly through the cleaning head extension bar, a first hot water line, and a second hot water line, and a trigger for controlling the flow of water to the cleaning head and rinse extension bar; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view, shown in partial cross section, illustrating the handheld dishwashing device of  FIG. 1 , and showing movement of the rinse extension bar and operational movement of the trigger; 
         FIG. 4  is an isolated perspective view of the cleaning head, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, showing an cleaning head extension bar with a first reduced hole for the soap mixture to exit the cleaning head and a second reduced hole for the hot water to exit the cleaning head, a male ring for snap-on attached engagement within a female receptacle of the cleaning head, a cleaning head base with associated filter or sponge material covered with an optional fabric, and further illustrating rotational movement of the male fitting on the end of the extension bar relative to the female receptacle, thereby allowing 360 degree rotation of the cleaning head; 
         FIG. 5  is an isolated perspective view of the cleaning head, in accordance with another embodiment, showing a female receptacle of the cleaning head, a cleaning head base with associated filter or sponge material, and a grouping of rubber brush bristles; and 
         FIG. 6  is an isolated side view illustrating a range of pivoting movement of the cleaning head about a pivot pin relative to the distal end of the extension bar; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the handheld dishwashing device of the present invention used in combination with a base unit. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like referenced parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the several views of the drawings, the handheld dishwashing device that is easily transportable, requires a minimal amount of water, and allows for quick and easy cleansing of dishes is shown according to the several embodiments of the invention and is generally indicated as  10 . 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-3 , the handheld dishwashing device  10  is ergonomically structured for being grasped within a user&#39;s hand in a position that allows the user&#39;s forefinger to depress an actuator member, which is defined by the trigger  64 . The handheld dishwashing device  10  includes a rinse extension bar chamber  76  that slideably captivates a rinse extension bar  66  that extends outwardly from the distal end of the rinse extension bar having chamber  76 . A pivot pin  68  connects the rinse extension bar chamber  76  with the handle  62  of the handheld dishwashing device  10  and allows for guided, pivoting movement of the rinse extension bar  66  and chamber  76  about the pin  68  and relative to an elongate member defining the cleaning head extension bar  78  so that the rinse extension bar  66  can be moved towards the cleaning head extension bar  78  to hold the cleaning head  84  while scrubbing and scraping (see broken line illustration in  FIG. 1 ). A spring  77  at the swivel pin  68  urges the rinse extension bar  66  to a relaxed position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . A thumb grip  70  is ergonomically placed along the rinse extension bar  66  to allow the user to easily extend the rinse extension bar  66  outwardly relative to the chamber  76  by applying pressure to the thumb grip  70 . At the distal end of the rinse extension bar  66  is a scraper  72  that can be used to scrape dirty dishes during the cleaning process. A rinse tube water exit  74  is also located at the distal end of the rinse extension bar  66 . The rinse extension bar  66  can extend out from and retract within the rinse extension bar chamber  76  to accommodate the user&#39;s needs. 
     Also extending from the handle  62  of the handheld dishwashing device  10  is a cleaning head extension bar  78 . Located at the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar  78  is a first reduced hole  80  for the soap mixture  162  to exit and a second reduced hole  82  for the hot water to exit, as shown in  FIG. 4 . A cleaning head  84  attaches to the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar  78 , which includes a cleaning head base  86  and a filter or sponge material  88  suitable for scrubbing dishes. As illustrated, the cleaning head base  86  can freely rotate and has no fixed positions. An optional fabric  90  covers the filter or sponge material  88 . Additionally, the cleaning head extension bar  78  and the rinse extension bar  66  can be moved together, as illustrated by the broken lines in  FIG. 1 , allowing the user to reach narrow areas while cleaning, and the sponge material  88  freely follows the shape of dishes and utensils when being used, thereby enabling a user to clean the dishes and utensils without having to angle the device  10  in awkward positions. The cleaning head  84  pivots into position by itself in response to the pressure applied by the user against the dish or utensil. This pivot action permits the device  10  to alternate between the sponge material  88  and other cleaning surfaces on the cleaning head  84 , such as the scraper  103  (see  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) and rubber brush bristles  104  (see  FIG. 5 ), without having to change hand positions and while maintaining the finger on the trigger  64 . Multiple embodiments of the cleaning head  84  are contemplated, each of which can be interchangeably attached to the cleaning head extension bar  78 , providing the user with a variety of cleaning options. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the structure of the cleaning head  84  and its method of attachment to the cleaning head extension bar  78  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the cleaning head extension bar  78  includes a male snap-on attachment component  96 , generally in the form of a ring, that engages a female snap-on attachment component  98 , generally in the form of an annular groove, within female receptacle  92 . The receptacle  92  is rotatably held on a swivel rod component  100 , allowing the cleaning head  84  to rotate about the swivel rod axis  102 , as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 4 . A hole  99  in the female receptacle  98  (see  FIG. 4 ) directs the flow of hot water and soap into the filter material (or spongy material) exposed within square opening  106  of the cleaning head base  86 . 
     Several embodiments of the cleaning head  84  are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The cleaning head  84  illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 6  includes the cleaning head base  86  with an integrally formed scraper  103 , the array of rubber brush bristles  104  (see  FIG. 5 ), and the filter or sponge material  88  with the filter or sponge material and bristles covered by the optional fabric  90 . The user can use the scraper  103  as a traditional scraper or squeegee for wiping the dish clean of grease and food, and then flip the cleaning head  84  to use the sponge material  88  to finish the cleaning process. Use of the scraper  103  prevents the sponge material  88  from contacting grease and food, thereby limiting the amount of water and soap required for the cleaning process. Another embodiment of the cleaning head  84  is illustrated in  FIG. 6  and includes an array of rubber brush bristles  104  attached to the cleaning head base  86 , and the filter or sponge material  88 , but without the optional fabric. 
     In operation, a water source and soap or soap mixture source are provided and are in communication with the handheld dishwashing device  10  by hand unit water line  50  and hand unit soap line  48 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a hand unit connector tube  52  may encase the hand unit soap line  48  and the hand unit water line  50  for preventing the two lines from tangling. Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the hand unit soap line  48  and the hand unit water line  50  enter the handheld dishwashing device  10 , and the hand unit soap line  48  travels through the handle  62  and the cleaning head extension bar  78 , ending at the first reduced hole  80  (see  FIG. 4 ), allowing the soap mixture to exit onto the cleaning head  84 . 
     The hand unit water line  50  travels through the handle  62 , ending at a hot water chamber  114  encased within the handle  62 . The hot water chamber  114  is divided into separate chambers—a cleaning head hot water chamber  116  and a rinse extension hot water chamber  118 —by spaced washers  120 . A cleaning head hot water line  122  connects the cleaning head hot water chamber  116  with the second reduced hole  82  (see  FIG. 4 ) for the hot water to exit onto the cleaning head  84 . A rinse extension hot water line  124  connects the rinse extension hot water chamber  118  with the rinse tube water exit  74 , located at the distal end of the rinse extension bar  66 . 
     The trigger  64  controls whether water is taken from the cleaning head hot water chamber  116  or the rinse extension hot water chamber  118 . When the trigger  64  is in a relaxed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , water continuously flows from the cleaning head hot water chamber  116  to the cleaning head hot water line  122  via a hot water exit hole  126 , and water is emitted from the reduced hole  82  onto the cleaning head  84 . When the trigger  64  is depressed, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the hot water exit hole  126  is displaced, allowing water to continuously flow from the rinse extension hot water chamber  118  to the rinse extension hot water line  124 , and water is emitted from the rinse tube water exit  74 . When the trigger  64  is released, a spring  128  returns the trigger  64  to its relaxed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the handheld dishwashing device  10  is shown in combination with a base unit  20 , which is used to heat a pressurized flow of water and to mix and store soap for use by the handheld dishwashing device  10 . The base unit includes a heater unit control knob  34 , a water holding unit pump knob  36 , a heater unit power knob  38 , a water toggle switch  40 , a pressure reducer control knob  42 , and a soap adjustment knob  44 . A storage compartment  46  for the accompanying handheld dishwashing device  10  is provided that also serves to catch any water run-off from the handheld dishwashing device  10  after being used. A hand unit drain tube  56  extends outwards from the base unit  20  for draining the excess water run-off within the storage compartment  46 . A soap unit compartment  58  located on the base unit  20  can be opened to access a soap mixture tank. Extending from the front side of the base unit  20  are a hand unit soap line  48  and a hand unit water line  50  that connect the base unit  20  with the handheld dishwashing unit  10 . Encasing the hand unit soap line  48  and the hand unit water line  50  is a hand unit connector tube  52 . 
     While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention which is limited only by the following claims as interpreted by the Doctrine of Equivalents.