Patent Abstract:
An apparatus adapted to provide a washing and cleaning system for vegetables in a restaurant environment includes a stationary lower frame having a plurality of cylindrical scrub brushes, and an operable and manually movable upper brushing assembly. Vegetables progress between the upper and lower brushes resulting in the removal of dirt and debris.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a continuation-in-part of, was first described in, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/948,913, filed Mar. 6, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a wash tray with a rail brush assembly to improve and expedite the preparation of foodstuffs in a kitchen. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Root vegetables, such as potatoes, are used in almost every kind of food and from every nationality. They can be found at lunches, dinners, and even breakfasts. As a natural food, they are very healthy. Such root vegetables are a good source of potassium, iron, vitamin C, fiber, protein while containing no fat or cholesterol, and only a small amount of sodium. However, because they grow in the ground, they do suffer from the fact that they must be rigorously cleaned as the first part of their preparation. While cleaning a few root vegetables for dinner at home is not a big burden, it is a significant task for those who prepare many root vegetables in a restaurant, commercial, or institutional environment. Such a prep cook may spend hours cleaning hundreds of root vegetables while hunched over a sink in a position that can cause pain in the lower back. Additionally, the labor associated with such cleaning drives up the cost of food for everyone. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a large amount of root vegetables can be easily cleaned. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such a vegetable washing device that has a tray formed as a inclined plane and defining a loading area and an exit area, a scrub brush array attached to the tray, a rail brush assembly slidable motionable along a longitudinal axis of the tray, and a water pan affixed to a bottom of the tray. The device is designed to cleanse a root vegetable loaded at the loading area and agitated by the rail brush assembly along the scrub brush array, and convey the root vegetable to the exit area. The water pan acts as a sump to receive water introduced at the loading area such that the scrub brush array can use water to scrub the root vegetable. In a preferred embodiment, the device is capable and sized to be secured to and utilize a conventional three-basin sink assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide such a tray that has a pair of parallel side frames, each with a leg portion deflected off at an angle. A feed plate is affixed to an upper portion of the side frames adjacent to the legs. At least one (1) embodiment of the feed plate has angled ridges on the upper surface to direct the flow of water towards the scrub brush array. At least one (1) embodiment of the feed plate has a plurality of ribs on a lower surface to provide rigidity. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for at least one (1) groove to extend inward from distal ends of the leg portions of the side frames. The grooves enable the device to securely rest on a perimeter rim of a sink. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for a backsplash to be affixed to an upper surface of the face plate above the leg portions. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a scrub brush array that is attached to a lower portion of the side frames. The array includes a rectangular frame having a loading member, an exit member, and a pair of parallel members having a longitudinal split portion enabling attachment of a plurality of axles. Each axle extends outward from a shaft that in at least one (1) embodiment is cylindrical. A plurality of bristles are attached to the outer surface of each shaft. A key plate, attached to a lower surface of the feed plate, receives tabs located on the loading member. An adjustable clamp attached to the exit plate receives tabs located on the exit member. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for the rail brush assembly to include pair of parallel guide rails, each attached to a respective side frame, to receive a rail brush housing. The guide rails extend from the backsplash to the exit end. In at least one (1) embodiment, the guide rails extend beyond the exit end of the device. The rail brush housing has a handle on an upper surface, a rail brush head on a first area of a lower surface, a soaking brush on a second area of the lower surface, and an outwardly extending extender bar adjacent to the soaking brush. In at least one (1) embodiment the rail brush head is a plurality of uniformly-shaped pieces. In at least one (1) embodiment the soaking brush is a semi-circular shape. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a root vegetable washer  10 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view along line A-A as seen in  FIG. 1  of the root vegetable washer  10 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view along line B-B as seen in  FIG. 1  of the root vegetable washer  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an isolated isometric view of a scrub brush array  50  of the root vegetable washer  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5 a    is an isolated view of a key plate  42  in a tray  20  of the root vegetable washer  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5 b    is an isolated view of an adjustable clamp  46  in the tray  20  of the root vegetable washer  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  vegetable washer 
               15  vegetable 
               20  tray 
               22   a  first side frame 
               22   b  second side frame 
               24  leg 
               26  bar member 
               27  exit end 
               28   a  first leg groove 
               28   b  second leg groove 
               30  rail brush assembly 
               32  brush housing 
               35  backsplash 
               38  undercut 
               42  key plate 
               44  socket 
               46  adjustable clamp 
               50  scrub brush array 
               55  sop brush 
               60  loading area 
               70  handle 
               75  cylindrical brush 
               80  brush shaft 
               85  brush bristles 
               87  axle 
               90  forward end 
               110  feed plate 
               112  top face 
               115  ridge 
               120  guide rail 
               130  brush frame 
               132  first end member 
               134  second end member 
               136   a  first split member 
               136   b  second split member 
               138  axle aperture 
               142  tab 
               144  fastener 
               145  protrusion 
               150  channel groove 
               170  water pan 
               180  lateral member 
               190  upper brush head 
               195  upper brush bristles 
               200  longitudinal motion 
               210  upper surface 
               220  incline 
               225  exit plate 
               230  extender arm 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a vegetable washer (herein referred to as the “device”)  10 , being equipped with a tray  20  and a rail brush assembly  30  to improve and expedite the preparation of foodstuffs, such as vegetable  15 , in a kitchen, by quickly washing the vegetable  15  via a scrub brush array  50  of the device  10 . The invention is particularly suitable for washing dirt and grime from root vegetables which grown in the ground. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an isometric view,  FIG. 2 , a section view along line A-A as seen in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3 , a section view along line B-B as seen in  FIG. 1 , of the device  10 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  provides a tray  20 , a rail brush assembly  30 , a scrub brush array  50 , and a water pan  170 , which collectively act as a cleaning and conveyance system to direct the vegetables  15  through the device  10  and into a third basin of an existing washtub or sink. The tray  20  includes a first side frame  22   a  and a mirrored second side frame  22   b . The side frames  22   a , and  22   b  are each be composed of an extruded square, or rectangular, thermoplastic shape formed having a vertical leg  24  and a bar member  26  disposed at an acute included angle so as to fall upon a negative incline  220 . Other shapes, such as a hollow square, or rectangular tube, or other materials, such as some metals, or wood, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . The side frames  22   a ,  22   b  occupy a horizontal distance of approximately forty two inches (42 in.) from the leg  24  to the exit end  27 . The legs  24  are configured to result in a total height of the side frames  22   a  and  22   b  of approximately seven inches (7 in.). 
     Disposed in each leg  24  of the side frames  22   a ,  22   b  are a first leg groove  28   a  and a deeper second leg groove  28   b . The leg grooves  28   a ,  28   b  are vertical slots cut, or formed, into the legs  24  in a perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal axis of the bar member  26 . As previously stated, the second leg groove  28   b  is cut more deeply into the legs  24  than the first leg groove  28   a . The purpose of the leg grooves  28   a  and  28   b  is to accommodate the insertion of the material of the sink separator therein so as to secure the positional placement of the device  10  relative to the sink. The deeper second leg groove  28   b  will permit a placement of the device  10  at a smaller incline  220  than the engagement of the sink separator into the first leg groove  28   a  by virtue of a geometric relationship. The device  10  is envisioned to be made available in various sizes for commercial and private applications, and as such the dimensions provided in this preferred embodiment should not be interpreted as a limitation of scope. The previous dimensions are envisioned to be suitable for positioning of the device  10  upon an existing three-compartment sink as is found in many restaurants or commercial kitchens. 
     The side frames  22   a  and  22   b  are connected at a first end, in proximity to the legs  24 , by a planar feed plate  110 . The feed plate  110  is a rigid thermoplastic plate attached to interior faces of the side frames  22   a ,  22   b , either permanently, by some thermoforming process, or removably, by means of threaded fasteners or other similar securement means. The utilization of threaded fasteners, or other interlocking features, to attach the feed plate  110  to the side frames  22   a ,  22   b  may require the additional incorporation of shaped apertures or other formed projections; however, it is understood that any such eventualities do not modify the scope, or the intent, of the present device  10 , and this preferred embodiment does not preclude other embodiments. Other materials, such as certain metals, wood, or composites, may be utilized, with the previously stated qualifications, without limiting the scope of the device  10 . The feed plate  110  may be provided with any type of projections on a lower surface, such as ribs, or the like, to provide additional flexural rigidity thereto in order to withstand the forces induced during use. The feed plate  110  is attached to the side frames  22   a ,  22   b  having a top face  112  in a parallel disposition to the bar members  26  so as to be placed at an equal incline  220 . The combined width across the side frames  22   a ,  22   b , and the feed plate  110  will be approximately twelve inches (12 in.). Disposed upon the top face  112  of the feed plate  110  is a plurality of angled ridges  115  configured to spread a flow of water from a faucet, or other convenient source, impinging on that top face  112  generally evenly across the feed plate  110 . 
     A key plate  42  is attached along a lower face of the feed plate  110  between the first side frame  22   a  and the second side frame  22   b  as more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 5 a   . The purpose of the key plate  42  will be explained at a later point in this narrative. 
     A backsplash  35  is also attached along the feed plate  110  spanning the distance of the first side frame  22   a  and the second side frame  22   b . The backsplash  35  is a rigid thermoplastic plate oriented perpendicular, or nearly perpendicular, to the feed plate  110 . The backsplash  35  is configured to obviate a flow of water over a first end of the side frames  22   a ,  22   b . The feed plate  110  and the backsplash  35  comprise a loading area for the vegetables  15  to be cleaned within the device. 
     The tray  20  includes a scrub brush array  50  incorporating a plurality of cylindrical brushes  75  mounted upon axles  87  about which a rotating motion can be achieved. The cylindrical brushes  75  are configured to be a cylindrical brush shaft  80 , preferably composed of an extruded thermoplastic with brush bristles  85  projecting radially therefrom. Other materials, such as wood, or composites, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . The brush bristles  75  are composed of nylon or other suitable natural or synthetic material. The cylindrical brushes  80  are envisioned to be confined within a brush frame  130  which will be explained in greater detail elsewhere in this narrative. 
     An exit plate  255  is attached between the first side frame  22   a  and the second side frame  22   b  at the exit end  27  of the bar members  26 . The exit plate  255  is a planar rigid thermoplastic plate similar to the feed plate  110  provided with a smooth upper face. The feed plate  255  is configured to be attached to the side frames  22   a ,  22   b  longitudinally parallel to the bar members  26  so as to be at an equal incline  220 . An adjustable clamp  46  is slidingly attached to a lower face of the exit plate  225  as depicted in  FIG. 5   b.    
     A water pan  170  is removably attached to a lower side of the tray  20 . The water pan  170  is a thermoplastic tray having a planar bottom attached to short encircling sidewalls along abutting edges. Other materials, such as certain corrosion resistant metals, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . The water pan  170  may be provided with a perpendicular flange along part, or all, of the sidewall. The water pan  170  may be attached to the side frames  22   a ,  22   b , and other portions tray  20  as well, by means of removable fasteners or by means of the retention of keyhole slots slidingly received upon headed pins permanently fixed to appropriate locations on the tray  20 . In use, the water pan  170  provides a sump, subjacent to the scrub brush array  50 , for the retention of some water which is envisioned to be flowing from a faucet and striking the feed plate  110 . The water retained within a least some portion of the water pan  170  is held in contact with some of the partially submerged cylindrical brushes  75  of the scrub brush array  50  to assist with the removal of any undesirable material from the vegetable  15 . 
     A pair of guide rails  120  is attached to an upper surface of the side frames  22   a ,  22   b  by means of a plurality of threaded fasteners. The guide rails  120  are configured to be rectangular thermoplastic bars with a square-cut channel groove  150  along a majority of the length of an inner face thereof. The guide rails  120  extend from the backsplash  35  at a first end to just beyond the exit plate  225  at a second end. An outer face of the guide rails  120  is intended to be flush with the outer face of the bar member  26  of each side frame  22   a ,  22   b  while not spanning the entire width of the bar member  26 . 
     A rail brush assembly  30  is configured to be placed between the guide rails  120  to be activated in a longitudinal motion  200  for the purpose of imparting a reciprocating scrubbing action to the vegetable  15 . The rail brush assembly  30  consists of an upper brush head  190  affixed within a brush housing  32 . The brush housing  32  is generally “U” shaped with a horizontal planar member formed with a pair of down-turned vertical lateral members  180 . The lateral members  180  are formed with a generally square protrusion  145  extending from each outside face. The protrusion  145  is configured to be inserted into the channel groove  150  of each guide rail  120  to constrain the movement of the rail brush assembly  30  to the longitudinal motion  200 . The upper brush head  190  may be composed of a single piece, or a plurality of uniformly shaped pieces into which upper brush bristles  195  are embedded. The upper brush bristles  195 , also preferably nylon, are configured to be angled away from the loading area  60  at approximately forty five degrees (45°). This configuration results in a longitudinal motion  200  in the direction of the exit plate  225  will tend move the vegetable  15  along the scrub brush array  50  in the same direction, whereas the longitudinal motion  200  in an opposite direction will preferably result in the upper brush bristles  195  scrubbing over a stationary vegetable  15  to cleanse the vegetable  15 . 
     A semi-circular sop brush  55  is affixed to a projecting portion of the brush housing  32  on that side in closest proximity to the feed plate  110 . The soaking brush is configured to extend onto the feed plate  110  to define an extent of the longitudinal motion  200  toward the loading area  60 . The sop brush  55  is composed of a highly absorbent material, such as a textile mop or an open-cell foam, or the like, to accumulate water coursing over the top face  112  of the feed plate  110  and apply that water liberally to the surface of the vegetable  15  and down onto the scrub brush array  50 . 
     An extender arm  230  is permanently affixed to a side portion of the brush housing  32  near the sop brush  55 . The extender arm  230  provides a confined space which serves as a rake or grappler to entrain each vegetable  15  at the feed plate  110  and convey the vegetable  15  into the rail brush assembly  30  and the scrub brush array  50 . When the rail brush assembly  30  is displaced toward the exit plate  225 , a vegetable  15  is incrementally advanced through the scrub brush array  50 . 
     Extending from an upper surface  210  of the rail brush assembly  30  is an inverted “U”-shaped handle  70 . The handle  70  is affixed to the upper surface  210  using fasteners such as screws, rivets, or the like, and enables a user to grasp the rail brush assembly  30  and force it to be displaced reciprocally in a longitudinal direction  200  along the tray  20 . Preferably, the handle  70  is orientated parallel with a longitudinal center axis of the tray  20 . 
     The device  10  is built upon a declining plane, indicated here as an incline  220 , as previously stated to assist the transfer of the vegetable  15  through the device  10 . The device  10  is envisioned to utilize moving water from at least one (1) existing faucet of the sink to wash the vegetable  15 . The configuration of the preferred embodiment of the device  10 , shown here, enables the cleansing of a plurality of vegetables  15  simultaneously. In use, the rail brush assembly  30  is moved to the loading area  60  with the extender arm  230  projecting over the feed plate  110 . At least one (1) vegetable  15  is placed upon the loading area  60  of the device  10  within the reach of the extender arm  230 . A user then moves the rail brush assembly  30  toward the exit plate  225  using the handle  70  to pull the vegetable  15 , within the extender arm  230 , into the scrub brush array  50 . The longitudinal motion  200  is then reversed and the sop brush  55  is swabbed across the vegetable  15  and the now wetted vegetable  15  becomes engulfed by the rail brush assembly  30 . Each successive reciprocating longitudinal motion  200  displaces the vegetable  15  across the subjacent scrub brush array  50  and through the rail brush assembly  30 . Due to the natural curved shape of the vegetable  15 , a vegetable  15  is transported down the incline  220  as it is assisted by gravity, the angled upper brush bristles  195 , and the longitudinal motion  200  of the rail brush assembly  30 , being applied by the user. Any released dirt, sand, or other foreign material will fall between the cylindrical brushes  75  of the scrub brush array  50  and into the water pan  170  and then ultimately into the sink upon which the device  10  is positioned. At this point, the vegetables  15  will exit from the device  10  over an exit plate  225 , where it is envisioned the vegetable  15  will fall into the third compartment of the sink, being cleaned and ready for further preparation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an isolated isometric view of the scrub brush array  50 , and  FIG. 5 a   , an isolated view of the key plate  42 , and  5   b , an isolated view of the adjustable clamp  46 , of the device  10 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Each of the first side frame  22   a  and the second side frame  22   b  is provided with an undercut  38  along a lower, inner corner of the bar member  26 . The undercut  38  is configured to be a void into which the first split members  136   a  of a brush frame  130  can be inserted. The scrub brush array  50  includes the brush frame  130  configured to support the previously described cylindrical brushes  75 . The brush frame  130  is a rectangular framework consisting of a rectangular first end member  132  and a similar second end member  134  fastened to a pair of first split members  136   a  and a pair of second split members  136   b  with a plurality of fasteners  144 . The brush frame  130  is comprised of extruded rigid thermoplastic pieces formed with the requisite features, including axle apertures  138 , to accomplish the intended task of retaining a plurality of cylindrical brushes  75 . Other materials, such as corrosion resistant metals, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . A first split member  136   a  is attached to a second split member  136 , having the halves of the axle apertures  138  in alignment, by means of a plurality of evenly spaced fasteners  144 . The end members  132 ,  134  are provided with a pair of tabs  142  extending from an exterior side surface. A preferred method of assembly for the brush frame  130  is to support a pair of second split members  136   b  upon an appropriate surface having the axle apertures  138  facing upwardly and aligned so that the axles  87  of each assembled cylindrical brush  75  can be placed therein. A pair of first split members  136   a  is then placed atop the corresponding second split member  136   b  with the axle apertures  138  faced downward and aligned with each axle  87 . The split members  136   a ,  136   b  are then fastened together with the fasteners  144 , thus clamping the axles  87  of each cylindrical brush  75 . The end members  132 ,  134  are then fastened to the split members  136   a ,  136   b  by means of fasteners  144 , ensuring that the tabs  142  are facing outward, away from the cylindrical brushes  75 . 
     The key plate  42  is provided with a pair of sockets  44  conforming to the profile of the tabs  142  as seen in  FIG. 5 a   . Similarly the adjustable clamp  46  is provided with a pair of sockets  44  as depicted in  FIG. 5 b   . The tabs  142  of the first end member of the brush frame  130  are inserted into the sockets  44  of the key plate  42  located under the feed plate  110 . The brush frame is then rotated to fit the first split members  136   a  into the undercuts  38  in the side frames  22   a ,  22   b . It is envisioned that the adjustable clamp  46  under the exit plate  225  may be adapted in some sliding manner so as to secure the tabs  142  of the second end member  134  into the sockets  44  thereof so as to retain the scrub brush array  50  within the tray  20 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the device  10  of a desired length and width; placing the tray  20  upon dividing basin wall portions of an existing multi-basin sink; allowing an upper edge of a divider wall between the first sink basin and the second sink basin to protrude into either a first leg groove  22   a , or a second leg groove  22   b  in order to correctly position and orient the forward end  90 ; slidingly inserting the rail brush assembly  30  between the guide rails  120 ; utilizing a flow of water upon the top face  115  and the ridges  115  of the feed plate  110  and the scrub brush array  50  to pre-soak or wash the vegetable  15 , as desired, using an existing faucet; allowing the water to run across the top face  112  into the water pan  170  through the gap  118 ; placing a vegetable  15 , or several vegetables  15 , onto the feed plate  110  while having the extender arm  230  of the rail brush assembly  30  positioned over the feed plate  110 ; grasping the handle  70  and moving the rail brush assembly  30  away from the feed plate  110  to engage the vegetable  15  within the sop brush  55 ; continuing to grasp the handle  70  to oscillate the rail brush assembly  30  in a reciprocating longitudinal direction  200 , thereby entraining the vegetable  15  between the rail brush assembly  30  and the scrub brush array  50 ; allowing the angled upper brush bristles  195  to displace the vegetable  15  to traverse the scrub brush array  50 ; allowing dirt and debris to fall from the vegetable  15  through the scrub brush array  50  as the vegetable  15  makes its way down the tray  20 ; allowing the vegetable  15  to exit the device  10  and into the sink; repeating the aforementioned steps to scrub additional vegetables  15 ; and, benefiting from effective scrubbing of vegetables  15  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0