Patent Abstract:
This disclosure relates to the field of washing apparatus which are portable, and operable without a running source of water, and without a power source. The washing apparatus operates with a volume of liquid cleaner (water) and manual manipulation of a handle. The apparatus may also be dis-assembled by a user without tools for shipping or storage in a much smaller space.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation claiming priority benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 13/541,536 filed Aug. 8, 2015 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/504,873, filed Jul. 6, 2011 incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Field of the Disclosure 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to the field of fabric (i.e. clothes) washing apparatus which are portable, and operable without a running source of water, and without a power source. The washing apparatus operates with a volume of liquid cleaner (water) and manual manipulation of a handle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Disclosed herein is a portable washing apparatus for the washing of fabrics. The washing apparatus in one example comprising: a base member configured to fit within a watertight container; a frame extending vertically from and removably attached to the base member; a cross support extending horizontally across the frame and removably attached thereto; and an agitator having a lower end attached to the base member so as to freely rotate thereupon. The agitator having an upper end attached to the cross support so as to freely rotate there under. The washing apparatus may also include a driving portion having a user-engagement handle, a shaft, and an agitator engagement portion. The driving portion may utilize a system of detents and grooves whereupon oscillating vertical movement of the driving portion by the user is translated to rotary movement of the agitator. 
         [0004]    In one form, the portable washing apparatus as disclosed is arranged wherein the base member comprises a plurality of identical base portions which are removably connected to each other to form the base member. 
         [0005]    The portable washing apparatus may also be arranged wherein the frame comprises a plurality of vertical supports. Each vertical support having a lower end removably attached to the base and an upper end removably attached to an upper ring. 
         [0006]    The frame of the portable washing apparatus may comprise: a cross support having a surface defining a non-cylindrical hole therein; wherein the driving portion comprises a non-cylindrical shaft; and wherein the non-cylindrical hole engages the non-cylindrical shaft an prohibits rotation of the driving portion relative to the frame. 
         [0007]    The driving portion of the portable washing apparatus as may also comprise at least one detent extending radially therefrom. Wherein the agitator comprises a surface defining a bore; and wherein the bore comprises surfaces defining at least one spiral indent which receive the detents extending radially from the driving portion such that linear oscillation of the driving portion results in rotational movement of the agitator. 
         [0008]    The portable washing apparatus also may include at least one spiral indent which is arranged such that linear oscillation of the driving portion results in rotational oscillation of the agitator. 
         [0009]    The portable washing apparatus in one form is configured to fit entirely or substantially within a portable fluid container (rigid or collapsible) during operation. 
         [0010]    The portable washing apparatus may be formed wherein the base member comprises a plurality of raised portions extending longitudinally therefrom so as to maintain a significant portion of the base member above the lower inner surface of a portable fluid container during operation to function as a dirt trap. 
         [0011]    The portable washing apparatus as disclosed may include a plurality of extensions protruding from a longitudinal central member. 
         [0012]    The portable washing apparatus may also be arranged wherein the frame comprises a plurality of clamp arms which engage the upper surface of a rigid portable fluid container so as to maintain position of the frame relative to the rigid portable fluid container. 
         [0013]    The portable washing apparatus as disclosed may utilize a cover substantially enclosing the apparatus with or without a separate cross member. 
         [0014]    The portable washing apparatus as disclosed may utilize a collapsible bag, a rigid bucket, or other fluid container or reservoir. The collapsible bag may be positioned radially within a plurality of vertical supports, or may be positioned external of the vertical supports. 
         [0015]    A portable washing apparatus for the washing of fabrics is disclosed. The washing apparatus comprising: a bottom plate configured to fit external of a watertight container; a base member configured to fit within the watertight container; a frame extending vertically from and removably attached to the bottom plate. A cross support may be included, extending horizontally across the frame and removably attached thereto. An agitator having a lower end attached to the base member so as to freely rotate thereupon is positioned within the watertight container. The agitator having an upper end attached to the cross support so as to freely rotate there under. A driving portion having a user-engagement handle, a shaft, and an agitator engagement portion is also included. The driving portion and agitator having a system of detents and grooves whereupon oscillating vertical movement of the driving portion by the user is translated to rotary movement of the agitator. 
         [0016]    In one form, the cross member comprises a cover substantially enclosing the apparatus. 
         [0017]    In one configuration, the bottom plate comprises a plurality of identical plate components; and the cover comprises a plurality of the identical plate components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the disclosed apparatus in one configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  within a container. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a disassembled configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the configuration of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an agitator component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the component of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a side cutaway view of the component of  FIG. 6  taken along line  7 - 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an operating handle component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the top side of a split base component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the bottom side of the component of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a top (plan) view of a cross member component of the disclosed apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a side hidden line view of the cross member component shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a bottom hidden line view of the cross member component shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the disclosed apparatus with a top cover and additional bottom plate. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a first vertical view of a plate component of the disclosed apparatus. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the plate component shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a second vertical view of the plate component shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Before beginning a detailed description, an axes system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a vertical axis  12 , and a radial axis  14  which is centered upon the center of the long axis of the agitator component  22  and is directed radially outward. This axes system is intended to aid in description of the disclosed apparatus and is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0037]    Looking again to  FIG. 1 , one configuration of a portable washing apparatus  20  is shown. The portable washing apparatus  20  generally comprises three independent but interoperating portions: a driving portion  24 , a frame portion  26 , and an agitator portion  28 . Each of these portions are assembled together for a washing device which does not require running water to operate, and also does not require a power source such as wind, hydro, electric, or other outside power sources. While the apparatus may be mechanized, it operates well with a user (human) simply filling the machine with a cleaning fluid and then manipulating the handle. 
         [0038]    Looking to  FIG. 2 , the apparatus is configured wherein a fluid holding container  102  is also provided. The container  102  in this configuration surrounds the frame portion  26 , and agitator portion  28 . In another configuration, the container  102  may be provided between the frame portion  28  and agitator portion  28 . This fluid container  102  may be a rigid element such as a bucket, barrel, or similar apparatus, or may be a flexible container such as for example a bag. Collapsible buckets may be especially useful as they are easily collapsed and thus take up less space for shipping or storage. 
         [0039]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the frame portion generally comprises a base  30  which in one form comprises a first portion  32  and second portion  34  with a seam  36  therebetween. The configuration of these portions can be more easily seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10  where it can be seen that to reduce manufacturing and replacement costs, the first portion  32  and second portion  34  may be formed as identical components. By using the illustrated semicircular portions, interconnected by way of a plurality of surfaces defining holes  38  and interoperating detents  40  a single molded component can form both of these first and second portions  32 / 34 . In addition, the bottom side  42  may comprise a plurality of raised portions  44  providing a fluid gap between the base  30  and the lower inner surface of the container  30  to increase the cleaning action of the apparatus. Additionally, a plurality of channels  46  may be formed in the upper surface  48  of the base  30  to further increase cleaning action, as well as provide additional rigidity and support to the overall apparatus. In one form, the raised portions  44  fit within channels  46  to improve stackability of the apparatus. In the drawings, the mating surface  50  between individual components is planar, although other shapes could alternatively be utilized. 
         [0040]    A plurality of vertical supports  52  may be provided as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  which provide vertical separation between the base  30  and an upper ring  54 . One of the vertical supports is not shown in  FIG. 1 , so that the surfaces defining holes  58  and  60  can more clearly be seen. The upper ring  54  may also be comprised of separate and interconnecting components. In the drawings, the components are semicircular, but other shapes may also be used. In one configuration, the lower end  56  of the vertical supports  52  fits into one of several surfaces defining holes  58  in the base  30 . These surfaces defining holes  58  may also be seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In  FIG. 1 , one of the vertical supports  52  is removed to show the holes  58  in the base  30 , as well as one of several holes  60  in the upper ring  54 . 
         [0041]    In one configuration, the upper end  62  of the vertical supports  52  comprises a pin  64  to interconnect the individual components of the upper ring  54 , and maintain relative position between the upper ring  54  and the vertical supports  52 . 
         [0042]    In one configuration, a cross support  66  is utilized as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  comprising a surface defining a central void  68  for receiving of the driving portion  24 . In  FIGS. 11-13  it can be seen how in this embodiment, the void  68  is non-circular so as to prohibit rotation of the driving portion  24  relative to the cross support  66 . 
         [0043]    In one configuration, the cross support  66  comprises recesses  70  for maintaining proper position upon the upper ring  54 , as well as surfaces  72  for maintaining the apparatus  20  in relative position to the container  30 . In one form as shown in  FIG. 2 , the cross support  66  comprises clamp arms  74  which further hold the container  30  in position relative to the cross support  66 . In this embodiment, both the cross support  66  and clamp arms  74  are also held in position by the pins  64  on to which they are pressed. 
         [0044]    In one form, a collapsible bag  108  may be utilized which fits over the apparatus and comprises grommets  110 , holes, strings, etc. which fit over the pins  64 . The upper ring  54  is then installed over the grommets, and this assembly holds the bag in place. In another form, the bag may fit within the vertical supports  52  in the same manner. 
         [0045]    Looking to  FIG. 5 , a detail view of the agitator  22  in one configuration is shown. While this configuration comprises a plurality of four extensions  76  (three of which can be seen in this figure) and each extension  76  comprises hills  78  and valleys  80 . Each of the extensions  76  being attached to or formed as extensions of a central member  104 . The particular arrangement of these surfaces is not critical as many different configurations could be utilized for aesthetic or functional purposes. An end view of the four arm embodiment, is shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a recess  82  is provided in the upper end of the agitator  22  which fits upon a matching surface  98  of the cross support  66  as can be seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Additionally, on the other vertical end, a bearing  84  is provided which fits within and revolves upon a surface  86  defining a bore or bearing surface as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . This bearing  84  as shown in  FIG. 7  may also provide a cap to prohibit pumping action of cleaning water through the center  86  of the agitator  22  during operation. These surfaces  82 / 84  at the upper and lower vertical ends of the agitator  22  maintain the agitator  22  in relative position to the other components or portions of the apparatus  20  as it is being rotated (actuated). 
         [0046]    Looking to  FIG. 7 , a cross sectional view of this configuration of the agitator  22  is shown wherein the inner surface  86  of the agitator  22  is configured to receive detents extending from the driving portion  24 . In particular, looking to  FIG. 8  it can be seen how the driving portion  24  comprises a shaft  88  which may be non-cylindrical, and a handle  90  which is configured to be grasped by the user while being moved (actuated) in an oscillating vertical motion as shown by the arrow  92 . Non-cylindrical being defined herein as a longitudinal extrusion of a geometric shape, wherein the geometric shape is not a circle. At the lower end of the driving portion  24 , a plurality of detents  94  may be provided which are configured to engage a plurality of helical “rifling” channels  96  formed within the inner surface  86  of the agitator  22  as seen in  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the cross support  66  as already described does not permit relative rotation of the driving portion  24 , and also does not permit vertical movement of the agitator  22 . Thus, as the handle  90  is oscillated vertically, the detents  94  rotate the agitator  22  back and forth in direction of travel  100  shown in  FIG. 1  as can be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0047]    In an alternate configuration, the components are reversed such that the shaft  88  comprises the helical rifling portion, and the engaging surface of the agitator  22  is linear. Other mechanisms such as a system of gears may be utilized instead of the helical rifling portion. 
         [0048]    In yet another alternate configuration, the detents may be formed in a spiral shape and engage grooves in the opposing component. 
         [0049]    Looking to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it can be seen how the entire apparatus can be disassembled into its component parts easily, and in some configurations without tools. This makes the apparatus particularly useful where shipping and/or storage is difficult, while backpacking, and in other environments where more industrialized ways of cleaning clothing are commonplace. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 14-15  show a configuration wherein a bottom plate and top cover  114  are provided. The bottom plate  112  is placed under the base member  30  and the top cover  114  may operate with a cross member similar to that shown in  FIGS. 11-13  or may serve the same function. As shown, a bag  108  is provided and places radially inward of the supports  52  and external of the base member  30  and agitator  22 . Again, the bag  108  may have grommets  110  or similar fasteners to attach to the upper end of the frame, such as at the upper end of the supports  52 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 16-18  show one example of the disclosed cover  114  and bottom plate  112  which again may be formed of a single cast. For example a plurality of the plate components  126  may be provided wherein a single cast component forms both sides of each of the cover  114  and bottom plate  112 . In this example, the surface  98 ′ functions in the same way as the surface  98  previously disclosed. A plurality of holes  118 ′ are provided for attachment to either the upper or lower end of the supports  52 . A groove  120  is provided to assist in alignment of the supports  52  during assembly. Groove  120  also serves as a lip to fit over the outer edge of solid containers and to minimize splashing of water outside of the container while operating the handle. The groove may also be shaped to snap lock onto the side of a solid container such as a lid for a standard  5  gallon bucket. Each plate component  126  in this example also comprises a recess  122  and a projection  124  which engage opposing surfaces of an adjacent component  126  to form the bottom plate  112  or top cover  114 . 
         [0052]    One added benefit of this example is the ease in which a component may e replaced. As several identical supports  52 , several identical plates  126 , and several identical base portions  32  are used in each assembly, there are fewer unique parts. A single replacement plate  126  may be used to replace one of the four plates used in this example if broken or damaged. 
         [0053]    One form of assembling this example is to assemble the bottom plate  112  by connecting two plate components  126  with the grove side up, then attaching a number of the supports  52  to the bottom plate. The bag  108  may then be positioned within the supports  52  and attached at the top thereof. The base member  30  may then be assembled and placed into the bag  108 . The agitator  22  and driver  24  may then be attached to the base member  30 . The bag  108  may then be filled with cleaning fluid and fabric (i.e. clothes). The cover  114  may then be assembled about the shaft  88  and attached to the upper end of the supports  52 . As previously mentioned, the handle  90  may then be manipulated to rotate the agitator  22  and clean the fabric. 
         [0054]    In one form, each of the components could be made of plastics or plastic equivalents to reduce in cost, or alternatively could be made of metals or natural materials where such materials are more plentiful and replacement parts are easier to manufacture when made of these materials. Generally, ease of manufacture by casting has been taken into account, and the majority of the parts can easily and cheaply be cast either in plastics, metals, or other such materials. 
         [0055]    While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3