GB2429146A

GB2429146A - Dishwasher with adjustable shelves

Info

Publication number: GB2429146A
Application number: GB0515059A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mohammed Badr Ali El Halabi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-22
Filing date: 2005-07-22
Publication date: 2007-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-22
Also published as: GB2429146B; GB0515059D0

Abstract

A dishwasher comprises adjustable features, which may include the following: An upper rack, lower rack and basket which may be raised and lowered; a rack made from a hollow pipe which may deliver water to small hoses to be sprayed onto items to be cleaned; a rack with support prongs which may be supported by two handles, the prongs being folded down by removal of the handles; a drawer mounted beneath one of the racks; a height-adjustable rack; a filter mounted at the front of the dishwasher for easy access; a detergent cup with a conveyor belt delivery system to deliver stored detergent tablets for each wash; four water sprayers mounted in an upper internal surface of the dishwasher; or lights to indicate each particular stage of a wash.

Description

1 2429146

DESCRIPTION

THE CLEVER. USER FRIENDLY DISHWASHER in the last 15 years, dishwashers have been improved in 3 main areas only: 1. Detergent: It was powder then tablets for easy use, and to make life easier.

2. The top rack: The pipe that delivers the water to the sprayer arm was moved to the bottom of the rack and that has increased the loading area.

3. The Silverware basket: The design has changed to be more practicaL 4. Design and technology: They look better, they perform more efficiently But we forget the main thing and that is THE USER! How does he feel about it, is it easy to use, what about ERGONOMICS? Because dishwashers are used once or twice a day, the problems that flice the user from using them could cause some anger and could upset him on a daily basis.

How can we prevent or reduce these problems? First of all we will introduce some of these problems: 1. The top rack: We mentioned before that the top rack has more space and that was done by fitting the water pipe to the bottom of the rack which delivers the water from the back of the dishwasher to move the sprayer arm.

But there are few problems, when moving the rack sometimes the cups and glasses move around in the rack and also sometimes a pot handle for example pokes down from the rack and obstructs the sprayer arm.

2. The lower rack: This rack as we know is the main rack which take all the pots and different types of plates (dinner plates for example), and it also has the silverware basket which doesn't take much space.

But sometimes we have lots of plates, a couple of pots and only two spoons, so we take the silverware basket out from the dishwasher to make more space for the other stuff And we find the same problem mentioned before for example sometimes a pot handle pokes down and obstructs the sprayer handle, a big pot 2-5 cm higher which obstructs the upper sprayer handle, or even a long knife or spoon could obstruct the upper sprayer handle.

That's why we find that in most manufacturer's band book they ask you to make sure that the upper and lower sprayer arms rotate easily with no obstruction before turning the dishwasher on, and that is airight for the upper arm but the lower one is a nightmare as it would be difficult to reach it from below the lower rack due to the small tight space in between and especially if it was in the east-west direction not the north- south, in that case you have to remove the lower rack completely to get the arm in the north-south position and then you would be able to rotate it.

3. The detergent cup: This is the cup that we put the detergent in it, and it opens automatically after a certain time.

We fmd that 30% of the cases it doesn't open fully, due to a pot that is too close to the door. That causes the detergent tablet to stay in the cup and not dissolve completely.

And 90% of most cases when the detergent tablet falls from the cup, it gets stuck on the edge of the lower rack or in between two plates or on the top of one of the pots. So it doesn't fall in the hot water in the bottom of the dishwasher to dissolve completely.

4. Forgetting the detergent: 30% of the times we switch the dishwasher on and forget to put the detergent in due to life problems!!! (Kids crying, love, and stress ect) And after one hour we remember, but at that time it would be too late, we have wasted electricity, water and time and that of course causes a bit of anger because you would expect to get clean dishes or pots by that time.

5. The silverware basket: That basket hasn't changed much, we always fmd forks knives and spoons come out dirty, due to the tight basket and not enough water pressure to rinse the food sticking on them.

Especially after cutting meat or frying eggs, we fmd that the food still sticking after the dishwasher is done.

The other problem is that sometimes when the dishwasher is done, we open the door pull the lower rack and reach for a plate we get cut by a fork or a knife that is sticking out of the basket.

6. The noise: The noise that comes out due to the rotation of the sprayer arms during the whole time, it gets a bit annoying sometimes.

7. Cycle lights: There are no signs what so ever to let us know when the rinse cycle is or is it drying time ect Sometimes we need a plate urgently and we would like to get it before drying time (because drying cycle takes around 15 mins in most dishwashers).

8. Ergonomics: We fmd that loading the dishwasher and unloading it causes back pain to most of us and that's because of the position of the dishwasher.

To overcome these problems, this present invention proposes a user friendly dishwasher; that adjusts to the user's needs.

This invention proposes solutions to avoid the eight problems we mentioned above; these solutions are described in TWO words only: USER FRIENDLY!!!! And it also makes it easy for the user to load and unload the dishwasher, and to make it less stressful! An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 shows a 3D view of the dishwasher.

- Figure 2 shows an exploded view showing the water connections.

- Figure 3 shows the adjustable height of the top rack.

- Figure 4 shows the design of the top rack.

- Figure 5 shows the two handles used to support the prongs on the top rack.

- Figure 6 shows the prongs folded away on the top rack.

- Figure 7 shows the folding of the prongs up close.

- Figure 8 shows the small hoses fitted on top of the prongs.

- Figure 9 shows the sprayers fitted on the bottom of the top rack.

- Figure 10 shows the 4 main water sprayers fitted in ceiling of the dishwasher.

- Figure 11 shows design of the lower rack.

- Figure 12 shows the front row of prongs is folded in the lower rack.

- Figure 13 shows the back rows of the prongs are folded away in the lower rack.

- Figure 14 shows a 3D view of the prongs folded away in the lower rack.

- Figure 15 shows the silverware basket fitted underneath the lower rack.

- Figure 16 shows the silverware basket being opened.

- Figure 17 shows the detergent cup, detergent tablets, the rubber belt and the cycle lights.

- Figure 18, 19 show how the detergent tablet is dissolved before entering the dishwasher.

- Figure 20 shows the raised dishwasher.

- Figure 21 shows front and side view of the raised and half raised dishwasher.

- Figure 22 shows the base of the dishwasher, and how the water enters the filter.

- Figure 23 shows how to pull the filter from the dishwasher.

SOLUTION NUMBER 1: The top rack * This rack (b) looks like the usual rack but it is made out from hollow pipes (outside diameter 5mm and inner diameter 3mm) (see figure 4). The rack is connected to the water supply via four main pipes (g) two on each side of the rack (see figure 2), that will increase the water velocity so that the water will come out from small holes in the pipes with a high pressure to clean the plates, pots ect So basically the upper sprayer arm was replaced by this hollow rack that delivers the water from inside it.

* The rack's height is adjustable, so we can increase the loading area by lowering the rack up to 10 cm down (see figure 3), in case we have to put big plastic bowel which might be affected by the heat if we put it in the lower rack.

* The rack has two rows of prongs which are used to support the plates; these prongs can be folded down when not in use, or if there is more pots to wash. They are folded in the same way as dominos (see figures 6 and 7) These two rows of prongs are supported by two handles fitted to the front of the rack.

The prongs can be folded down by removing the supporting handles (see figure 5).

We fmd that at the top edge of each prong there is a small water pressure hose (i) which sprays water in all directions (see figure 8), and the prongs are fitted with different heights (they range between 4.5 and 6.5 cm).

* On the base of the upper rack there are water sprayers (j) 10 cm away from each other 9see figure (9).

* Below the upper rack there are also around 18 water sprayers, each sprayer has two holes one to spray upwards to clean the dishes in the upper rack and one hole facing downwards to spray the water on the lower rack.

* We forgot to mention that there are four main sprayers (k) fitted on the ceiling of the dishwasher above the upper rack, each sprayer is 2.5 cm wide and it sprays water in all directions (see figure 10).

SOLUTION NUMBER 2: The lower rack * This rack (c) is usually used for the big pots, dinner plates ect...., like the upper rack it also has adjustable prongs on both sides (see figure 11)), the prongs are about 8cm high, and they can be folded away for different use (see figures 12, 13 and 14).

* Again on the top of each prong there is a water sprayer (looks like a swan's neck) (see figure 8), and there are also a couple of holes on the side of it to spray the water with full power to clean the dishes and pots.

* The lower rack has also 18 main water sprayers below it to spray water upwards to clean its load.

SOLUTION NUMBER 3: The silverware basket * The silverware basket has been replaced by a drawer basket (d) fitted underneath the lower rack (see figure 15); it is opened and closed like a normal kitchen drawer (see figure 16).

* It has the same width as the lower rack and it is 8cm high, it is only for silverware and you can load it randomly, just throw the spoons and knives ect on top of each other without any problems.

* This drawer will be plunged in the water most of the time inside the dishwasher because it is fitted underneath the lower rack. All silverware will be soaked in water and detergent which will help clean off all the food that is sticking on it.

* The drawer has high pressure water sprayers which are fitted to all its sides, it will cause strong water stream going through the silverware destroying any food or stains on the silverware.

SOLUTION NUMBER 4: The detergent cup * This is the most important part in the newly invented dishwasher, which is putting the detergent tablets in a new clever way.

* The detergent cu is replaced by a small tunnel fitted to the top edge of the dishwasher (a) and with a 45 angle, and it is 30 cm long (see figure 17).

* Inside this tunnel there is a rubber belt (1), fitted in the same angle as the tunnel and it takes seven tablets (m) (the number of days in the week).

* The tunnel has a cover which opens widely (n) so you can put the detergent tablets. (see figure 17) * At the left end side of the tunnel there is a square hole (p) (5x5 cm) (see figure 18), the tablet falls through it and into a small tank (q) (7x5x5 cm) which is filled with water, the tablet is soaked in water for 3mins to help it dissolve quicker.

* The tank is then opened automatically from the bottom and the dissolved tablet fills into the dishwasher, then the tank is shut automatically (see figure 19).

* This actually saves time and electricity.

SOLUTION NUMBER 5: The cycle lights * There are 4 different lights (o) on the front side of the dishwasher to indicate: 1. The Beginning of the wash cycle.

2. The stage when the tablet is in the dishwasher.

3. The end of the wash cycle and the start of the drying cycle.

4. If we forgot to put the tablet in the dishwasher.

SOLUTION NUMBER 6: The dishwasher's door * This newly invented dishwasher doesn't have a door, instead the dishwasher's ceiling, top and lower racks rise up (see figure 20). This makes it easier for the user to load and unload the dishwasher. And the front of the dishwasher was fitted with a transparent glass cover (e) which allows the user to see through the dishwasher (see figure 1).

* With the top and lower racks raised up we can actually use the clean dishes and silverware straight from the dishwasher and when they are dirty we put them back in and switch on the dishwasher.

* So the dishwasher is also used as a shelf to put plates on or a cupboard for the cups and pots (see figure 21).

* The racks could be raised automatically or manually. (No specific lift operation, but it could be done using hydraulics, using water pressure, electrically or manually) * We could also use the racks to dry the plates on them.

SOLUTION NUMBER 7: The first wash * When we put the dishes and pots in the dishwasher they are usually full of food stains and leftovers sticking on them. That is why this clever dishwasher has a first wash cycle which rinses the dishes and pots with a very strong water pressure first for about 4 minutes. This water is then removed completely from the dishwasher into the kitchen's drains.

* This will not allow the dishes to be washed in dirty water like most dishwashers work.

* The base of the dishwasher (r) is made slightly tilted a little bit (450) to the right, so that the water can move easily down to the bottom and then through into a half open pipe (s) tilted from the back to the front with an angle of 450 and finally into the filter (0 (see figure 22).

* Before the dirty water reaches the filter it actually goes through a waste disposal (t) which destroys any food bits that are in the water, so when the dirty water leaves the dishwasher through the filter it doesn't block the drains in the kitchen.

* This filter (f) can be easily accessed from the front of the dishwasher unlike most dishwashers you can only get to it by removing the bottom shelf. It has a mug alike handle at the front bottom end of the dishwasher, in which it can be pulled out easily for cleaning (see figure 23).

Claims

1. A user friendly dishwasher that adjusts to the user's needs.

2. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim I, in which the top rack, lower rack and silverware basket all rise up for easy loading and unloading.

3. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 2, in which the raised dishwasher can be used as a shelf or a cupboard.

4. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 3, in which the top and lower racks are made out from a hollow pipe delivering the water through the rack which sprays the water through small water hoses on to the plates.

5. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 4, in which the top and lower racks' prongs are supported by two handles at the front of the rack and can be folded down by removing these handles.

6. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 5, in which the top and lower racks' prongs can be folded away to allow more space.

7. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 6, in which the top rack's height is adjustable for flexible space.

8. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 6, in which each prong has a small water hose on its top edge.

9. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 1, in which the silverware basket has been fitted underneath the lower rack.

10. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 9, in which the silverware basket can be opened and closed like a drawer.

11. A user friendly dishwasher in which the filter has been fitted at its bottom front end for easy access.

12. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 11, in which the filter has a mug shaped handle for an easy removal.

13. A user friendly dishwasher which has the detergent cup fitted on top of it for easy access.

14. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 13, in which the detergent cup can carry up to 7 detergent tablets.

15. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 14, in which the detergent tablets are placed on a rubber belt.

16. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 15, in which the rubber belt delivers one tablet for each wash to the dishwasher through a small tank.

17. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 16, in which the tablet is soaked in water inside the small tank before it is delivered to the dishwasher.

18. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 17, in which the tablet is soaked to save time then it is delivered to the dishwasher at the right time already dissolved in water.

19. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 4, in which the water is delivered to the racks and the silverware basket from the bottom of the dishwasher through four pipes.

20. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 19, in which these pipes are fitted one on each corner of the dishwasher.

21. A user friendly dishwasher, in which the ceiling has four water sprayers.

22. A dishwasher according to claim2 1, in which the waste disposal is fitted before the filter to destroy all the food leftover in the used water.

22. A user friendly dishwasher according to claims 20 and 21, in which theses pipes and sprayer replace the old method of using sprayer arms.

23. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 13, in which the detergent cup has four lights, green, red, blue and orange.

24. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 23, in which the orange light indicates the beginning of the wash cycle, the green light indicates the stage when the detergent tablet is in the dishwasher, the blue light indicates the beginning of the drying cycle, and finally the red light indicates that the detergent cup is empty.

25. A user friendly dishwasher, in which it has a slightly tilted base in order for the used water to reach the drains quicker.

26. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 25, in which the used water is then plunges through the drain hole and into the waste disposal.

27. A user friendly dishwasher according to claim 26, in which the waste disposal is fitted before the filter to destroy all the food leftover in the used water.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A dishwasher, in which the top rack, lower rack and silverware basket all rise up for easy loading and unloading.

2. A dishwasher according to claim 1, in which the top and lower racks are made out from a hollow pipe delivering the water through the rack which sprays the water through small water hoses on to the plates.

3. A dishwasher according to claim 2, in which each prong has a small water hose on its top edge.

4. A dishwasher according to claim I, in which the silverware basket has been fitted underneath the lower rack.

5. A dishwasher according to claim 4, in which the silverware basket can be opened and closed like a drawer.

6. A dishwasher in which the filter has been fitted at its bottom front end for easy access.

7. A dishwasher according to claim 6, in which the filter has a mug shaped handle for an easy removal.

8. A dishwasher which has the detergent cup fitted on top of it for easy access.

9. A dishwasher according to claim 8, in which the detergent cup can carry up to 7 detergent

tablets.

10. A dishwasher according to claim 9, in which the detergent tablets are placed on a rubber belt.

11. A dishwasher according to claim 10, in which the rubber belt delivers one tablet for each wash to the dishwasher through a small tank.

12. A dishwasher according to claim ii, in which the tablet is soaked in water inside the small tank before it is delivered to the dishwasher.

13. A dishwasher according to claim 12, in which the tablet is soaked to save time then it is delivered to the dishwasher at the right time already dissolved in water.

14. A dishwasher according to claim 2, in which the water is delivered to the racks and the silverware basket from the bottom of the dishwasher through four pipes.

15. A dishwasher according to claim 14, in which these pipes are fitted one on each corner of the dishwasher.

16. A dishwasher, in which the ceiling has four water sprayers. (C

17. A dishwasher according to claims 15 and 16, in which these pipes and sprayer replace the old method of using sprayer arms.

18. A dishwasher according to claim 8, in which the detergent cup has four lights, green, red, blue and orange.

19. A dishwasher according to claim 18, in which the orange light indicates the beginning of the wash cycle, the green light indicates the stage when the detergent tablet is in the dishwasher, the blue light indicates the beginning of the drying cycle, and finally the red light indicates that the detergent cup is empty.

20. A dishwasher, in which it has a slightly tilted base in order for the used water to reach the drains quicker.

21. A dishwasher according to claim 20, in which the used water is then plunges through the drain hole and into the waste disposal.