Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
MANUAL DISHWASHER DEVICE AND METHOD OF
ASSEMBLING SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to dishwasher and, more
particularly, to a manual dishwasher device and a method of assembling
same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Manual dishwasher devices are known. These known devices are
generally represented by a cylindrical or cubic container having a lid
provided
with a handle. When the lid is removed, typically, some sort of dish rack and
a
utensil basket is provided at the bottom of the container for receiving dishes
and utensils to be washed. A hose connects a top portion of the lid with the
kitchen faucet. A relatively flat and wide shower head covers the inner
surface
of the lid and is in fluid connection with the hose.
[003] By opening the hot water valve of the faucet, hot water is sprayed
through the shower head and on the dishes and utensils in the rack and
basket. After a sufficient amount of time, the dishes and utensils are
generally
clean and can be removed from the devices for drying with a dish towel.
[004] With the manual dishwasher device positioned close to the kitchen
sink, a reclosable sink hole along the lower side of the container may be
opened to drain the soiled water from the container into the kitchen sink.
[005] Some other models of a manual dishwasher device include a
spinnable rack through a rotatable handle along the side of the container, for
improving the washing performances of the device.
[006] While these known manual dishwasher devices can generally fulfill the
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main objective of washing soiled dishes and utensils, they also generally
include one or more of the following disadvantages.
[007] For example, they are generally cumbersome since they typically
occupy significant space on the kitchen countertop, which has rarely enough
to start with.
[008] Furthermore, the use of these known manual dishwasher devices does
not guarantee clean dishes and utensils since they essentially rely on sprayed
water for cleaning. Often, a second cycle, if not more, is needed.
[009] Furthermore, they generally involve almost as much hand
manipulations as a classic dishwashing by hand if you include the manual
filling and retrieving of the dishes and utensils from the device, and the
occasional washing by hand of stubborn stains on a few dishes and utensils.
[010] Thus, there is a need on the market for an improved manual
dishwasher device that minimizes the space occupied by the device, and
overall time and manipulations required for washing the dishes and utensils.
[011] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides such an improved
manual dishwasher device, and a method of using same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[012] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a manual dishwasher
device.
[013] The manual dishwasher device comprises a receptacle for containing a
liquid. The receptacle includes a top opening defined by opposed longitudinal
side edges interconnected by opposed end edges, thus forming an open
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frame.
[014] The receptacle includes a collapsible sidewall extending substantially
downwardly from the side edges of top opening, and a bottom wall closing the
bottom end of the collapsible sidewall.
[015] The receptacle is selectively movable between a receptacle retracted
state, and a receptacle extended state, in which the bottom wall is relatively
closer to the top opening when in the receptacle retracted state than in the
receptacle extended state.
[016] The manual dishwasher device further comprises a pair of sets of
resiliently flexible brush bristles. Each set extends laterally inwardly from
oppositely facing inner longitudinal portion of a respective longitudinal side
edge of the open frame.
[017] The free ends of the brush bristles of one set of brush bristles end in
proximity relative to the free ends of the brush bristles of the opposed set
of
brush bristles along a longitudinal axis of the top opening.
[018] The manual dishwasher device further comprises a pair of susbtantially
rigid support members. Each support member extends longitudinally distally
from a respective transversal end of the open frame.
[019] Furthermore, each support member has an end portion configured for
resting on top of a respective one of diametrically opposed top edge portions
of a sink so as to support the manual dishwasher device there between.
[020] Thus, with the manual dishwasher device supported on opposed
edges of the sink, the receptacle may be extended and filled with a washing
solution so as to conveniently wash items such as dish plates, drinking cups,
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utensils and the likes by inserting and retrieving each item through the
opposed brush bristles a sufficient number of times. Preferably, the washing
solution contains soap and warm water, or soap and hot water.
[021] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the manual dishwasher
device comprises a receptacle for containing a liquid.
[022] The receptacle is entirely made of a substantially flexible material
such
as silicone, rubber or a synthetic rubber.
[023] The manual dishwasher device further comprises a top opening
defined by opposed longitudinal side edges interconnected by opposed
transversal ends, thus forming an open frame.
[024] The receptacle includes a collapsible sidewall extending substantially
downwardly from the side edges of the top opening, and a bottom wall closing
the bottom end of the sidewall.
[025] Thus, the receptacle is selectively movable between a receptacle
retracted state and a receptacle extended state wherein the bottom wall is
relatively closer to the top opening when in the receptacle retracted state
than
in the receptacle extended state.
[026] The manual dishwasher device further comprises a pair of sets of
resiliently flexible brush bristles. Each set of brush bristles includes a
substantially elongated and rigid base member having a longitudinal side
portion from which a plurality of brush bristles extends perpendicularly
distally
therefrom, and a base member bore extending longitudinally throughout.
[027] Furthermore, the base member of each set of brush bristles is
removably engaged in a snug fit relationship in a compatibly shaped groove
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defined longitudinally along an inner longitudinal surface portion of a
respective longitudinal side edge of the top opening such that the brush
bristles of each set extend laterally and oppositely inwardly relative to one
another.
[028] Preferably, a distal free end portion of the brush bristles of each set
of
brush bristles at least partially overlap one another along a substantially
centered longitudinal axis of the top opening.
[029] The manual dishwasher device further comprises a pair of substantially
rigid support members. Each support member has a substantially rigid U-
shaped configuration that includes parallelly spaced apart elongated leg
members each removably and longitudinally slidably engaged in a respective
open frame bore extending longitudinally inwardly relative to opposed
longitudinal corner portions of a respective end of the open frame.
[030] Furthermore, each support member has a distal end portion configured
for resting on top of a respective one of diametrically opposed top edge
portions of a sink so as to support the receptacle there between.
[031] Furthermore, each support member is selectively movable
longitudinally between a support member extended position and a support
member retracted position relative to a respective end edge of the top
opening.
[032] Furthermore, each open frame bore of the open frame is longitudinally
in register with a base member bore of a set of brush bristles engaged in a
respective groove of the open frame.
[033] Thus, with the base member of each set of brush bristles longitudinally
engaged in a respective groove on each side of the top opening, each leg
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member of each support member is slidably engageable in longitudinally
corresponding open frame bore and base member bore respectively.
[034] Thus, the substantially rigid base member engaged in their respective
groove, in cooperative relation with the leg members of each substantially
rigid support member engaged in their respective open frame bores of the
receptacle, provide rigidity to the open frame of the flexible receptacle when
the manual dishwasher device is supported on opposed side edges of the
sink.
[035] Thus, with the manual dishwasher device supported on opposed
edges of the sink, the receptacle may be extended and filled with soap and
warm water so as to wash items such as dish plates, drinking cups, utensils
and the likes by individually inserting and retrieving each item through the
opposed brush bristles a sufficient number of times.
[036] Furthermore, with the flexible receptacle, the removable sets of brush
bristles and the removable pair of support members of the manual dishwasher
device are in a disassembled state, the latter may be packaged in a
susbtantially compact format allowing economic shipment through parcel mail.
[037] A method of assembling a manual dishwasher device is also provided.
The manual dishwasher device includes a substantially flexible receptacle
having a top opening defining a pair of opposed longitudinal sides edges, a
pair of sets of brush bristles each including a substantially rigid and
elongated
base member, and a pair of substantially rigid and U-shaped support
members each including a pair of parallelly extending leg members.
[038] In a first step, the method of assembly comprises engaging the base
member of each one in the pair of sets of brush bristles longitudinally in a
groove extending along a longitudinal portion of a respective one in the pair
of
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opposed longitudinal side edges of the top opening.
[039] In a second step, the method of assembly comprises inserting the pair
of leg members of each one in the pair of U-shaped support members in a
pair of bores extending longitudinally parallelly inwardly through a
corresponding pair of end corner portions of the receptacle at each
longitudinal end of the top opening, and longitudinally in register through
each
base member in the pair of sets of brush bristles engaged in the grooves.
[040] Thus, the top opening of the substantially flexible receptacle is
substantially rigidly maintained open.
[041] A method of using the manual dishwasher device is also provided.
[042] Other advantages, novel features and alternate embodiments of the
present invention will be more apparent from the following drawings and
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[043] FIGURE 1, in a top perspective view, illustrates an embodiment of a
manual dishwashing device, according to the present invention, here shown
having a receptacle in an extended state, and support members in a partially
extended position;
[044] FIGURE 2, in a top perspective enlarged view, illustrates the portion of
the devices shown in the circular section line II of FIG. 1;
[045] FIGURE 3, in a side elevational view, illustrates the device in FIG. 1;
[046] FIGURE 4, in an end elevational view, illustrates the device in FIG. 1;
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[047] FIGURE 5, in a partial side cross-sectional view, illustrates the
portion
of the device shown in the circular section line V of FIG. 4;
[048] FIGURE 6, in a bottom perspective, exploded view, illustrates the
device in FIG. 1, here shown with its receptacle in a retracted state;
[049] FIGURE 7, in a bottom perspective, partial view, illustrates the portion
of the device shown in the circular section line VII of FIG. 6;
[050] FIGURE 8, in a top plan view, illustrates a brush element;
[051] FIGURE 9, in an end cross-sectional view, illustrates the brush
element along section line IX of FIG. 8;
[052] FIGURE 10, in a side elevational view, illustrates the device in FIG. 1;
[053] FIGURE 11, in an end cross-sectional view, illustrates the device along
section line XI of FIG. 10;
[054] FIGURE 12, in a side elevational view, illustrates the device in FIG. 1,
here shown having its receptacle being moved from an extended position to a
retracted position;
[055] FIGURE 13, in a side elevational exploded view, illustrates the device
in FIG. 1, here shown with its receptacle in a retracted position.
[056] FIGURE 14, in a side elevational view, illustrates a manual dish brush,
here shown provided with a closure member at the end of the handle.
[057] FIGURE 15, in a side elevational, cross-sectional view, illustrates the
manual dish brush of FIG. 14;
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[058] FIGURE 16, in a partial side elevational view, illustrates the closure
member shown in the circular section line XVI of FIG. 14; and
[059] FIGURE 17, in a top perspective view, illustrates another embodiment
of a manual dishwashing device, according to the present invention, here
shown provided with a different type of retractable receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[060] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a manual dishwasher
device 100, and a method of using same.
[061] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a manual dishwasher device 100,
according to the present invention.
[062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the manual dishwasher device 100
comprises a receptacle 102 for containing a liquid. The receptacle 102
includes a top opening 104 defined by opposed longitudinal side edges 106
interconnected by opposed end edges 108, thus forming an open frame 110.
[063] The receptacle 102 includes a collapsible sidewall 112 extending
substantially downwardly from the side edges of top opening 104, and a
bottom wall 114 closing the bottom end of the collapsible sidewall 112.
[064] The receptacle 102 is selectively movable between a receptacle
retracted state, as illustrated in FIG. 6, and a receptacle extended state, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the bottom wall 114 is relatively closer to the
top
opening 104 when in the receptacle retracted state than in the receptacle
extended state.
[065] The manual dishwasher device 100 further comprises a pair of sets
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116 of resiliently flexible brush bristles 118. Each set 116 extends laterally
inwardly from oppositely facing inner longitudinal portion of a respective
longitudinal side edge 106 of the open frame 110.
[066] The free ends 120 of the brush bristles 118 of one set 116 of brush
bristles end in proximity relative to the free ends 120 of the brush bristles
118
of the opposed set 116 of brush bristles along a longitudinal axis of the top
opening 104.
[067] The manual dishwasher device 100 further comprises a pair of
susbtantially rigid support members 122. Each support member 122 extends
longitudinally distally from a respective transversal end 108 of the open
frame
110.
[068] Furthermore, each support member 122 has an end portion 126
configured for resting on top of a respective one of diametrically opposed top
edge portions of a sink so as to support the manual dishwasher device 100
there between.
[069] Thus, with the manual dishwasher device 100 supported on opposed
edges of the sink, the receptacle 102 may be extended and filled with soap
and warm water so as to conveniently wash items such as dish plates,
drinking cups, utensils and the likes by inserting and retrieving each item
through the opposed brush bristles a sufficient number of times.
[070] In some embodiments of the invention, the top opening 104 has a
longitudinal dimension at least slightly greater than the diameter of a dish
plate, and a lateral dimension at least slightly greater than the diameter of
a
drinking cup.
[071] Furthermore, in an extended state, the receptacle 102 has a depth at
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least slightly greater than the diameter of a dish plate.
[072] Preferably, the top opening 104 has a longitudinal dimension that is
between roughly 1 cm and 20 cm greater than the average diameter of a dish
plate, and a lateral dimension that is between roughly 1 cm and 20 cm.
[073] Further preferably, in an extended state, the receptacle 102 has a
depth dimension of between 15 cm and 30 cm greater than the average
diameter of a dish plate.
[074] Other dimensions for the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the top
opening 104, and for the depth dimension of the receptacle 102, are also
possible.
[075] Preferably, the receptacle in a top plan view has a substantially
rectangular cross-section extending longitudinally.
[076] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 and 14 to 16 inclusively, in some
embodiments of the invention, the receptacle 102 defines a sinkhole 128
extending throughout the bottom wall 114 of the receptacle 102 for draining
liquid from the receptacle 102.
[077] Furthermore, the manual dishwasher device 100 further includes a
removable closure element 130 for selectively closing the sinkhole 128.
[078] In some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, and 13
to 15, the closure element 130 includes a plug member 132 configured for
removably sealably closing the sinkhole 128, and a dish brush 134 having a
brush handle 136 extending substantially upwardly away from the plug
member 132 and terminating in a dish brush head 138.
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[079] In some embodiments of the invention, the closure element 130 is
sized and shaped such that, with the plug member 132 sealably engaged in
the sinkhole 128, and the dish brush head 138 extending upwardly therefrom,
a top portion thereof extends at least partially upwardly through the brush
bristles 118, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2.
[080] Thus, a user of the manual dishwasher device 100 may visually locate
and grab the dish brush head 138 and remove the closure element 130 from
the sinkhole 128, for allowing liquid to be drained from the receptacle.
[081] In some embodiments of the invention, the sinkhole 128 and plug
member 132 are both threaded so as to form a sealably threaded junction
there between, as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 16.
[082] In some embodiments of the invention, the collapsible sidewall 112
and bottom wall 114 of the receptacle 102 are made of a single piece of
flexible material.
[083] Preferably, the flexible material is a silicone material. Other types of
flexible material are also possible.
[084] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, in some embodiments of
the invention, the flexible material of the collapsible sidewall 112 defines a
series of downwardly tapering annular rib portions 140.
[085] The annular rib portions 140 are configured for collapsing and
extending in a telescopic fashion relative to one another when the receptacle
102 is selectively moved between the receptacle retracted state and the
receptacle extended state respectively.
[086] The flexible material is silicone, rubber, or a synthetic rubber.
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[087] In some embodiments of the invention, the collapsible sidewall 112 is
made of a series of individual downwardly tapering tubular sections 140
selectively telescopically extendible and retractable relative to one another.
[088] Furthermore, tapering tubular sections 140 are sealably engaged to
one another when the receptacle 102 is in the receptacle extended state.
[089] Referring to FIG. 17, in some embodiments of the invention, the
collapsible sidewall 112 has an accordion configuration capable of selectively
adopting an extended and a retracted state.
[090] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments of the invention, the
distal free ends 120 of one set 116 of brush bristles 118 are located in
proximity relative to the distal free ends 120 of the opposed set 116 of brush
bristles along a substantially centered longitudinal axis relative to the top
opening 104.
[091] Preferably, as best illustrated in FIG. 2, a distal free end portion of
the
bristles 118 of one set 116 of brush bristles at least partially overlap a
distal
free end portion of the bristles 118 of the opposed set 116 of brush bristles.
[092] For example, the distal free end portion of the brush bristles 118 of
each set 116 of brush bristles may overlap one another a length dimension of
between about 1 mm and 10 mm. Other dimensions are also possible.
[093] Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments of the invention, the
individual bristles 118 within each set 116 of brush bristles have different
lengths between one another for improved contact with different surface
contours of dishes to be washed.
[094] For example, each bristle 118 within each set 116 of brush bristles
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may have a difference of length dimension relative to adjacent bristles
thereof
ranging between about 1 mm and 10 mm. Other difference in length
dimension between individual bristles 118 in a same set 116 of brush bristles
are also possible.
[095] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, in some embodiments of the invention,
each set 116 of brush bristles includes a substantially elongated and rigid
base member 142 having a longitudinal side portion from which the brush
bristles 118 extend perpendicularly distally thereof.
[096] Furthermore, each base member 142 is removably engaged in a
compatibly shaped groove 144 extending longitudinally along an inner
longitudinal surface portion of a respective longitudinal side edge 106 of the
top opening 104.
[097] In some embodiments of the invention, each one in the pair of support
members 122 is selectively movable longitudinally between a support member
retracted position and a support member extended position, wherein an end
portion 126 of each support member 122 is relatively closer to its respective
end edge of the top opening 104 when in the support member retracted
position than in the support member extended position.
[098] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in some embodiments of the invention,
each one in the pair of support members 122 has a substantially rigid U-
shaped configuration including parallelly spaced apart elongated leg members
146 longitudinally slidably engaged along a respective longitudinal side edge
106 of the open frame 110.
[099] In some embodiments of the invention, the entire receptacle 102 is
made of a substantially flexible material.
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[0100] Furthermore, each set of brush bristles includes a substantially
elongated and rigid base member 142 having a longitudinal side portion from
which the brush bristles 118 extend perpendicularly distally thereof.
[0101] Furthermore, each base member 142 is removably engaged in an
inner longitudinal surface portion of a respective longitudinal side edge 106
of
the top opening 104.
[0102] Furthermore, each one in the pair of support members 122 has a
substantially rigid U-shaped configuration including parallelly spaced apart,
elongated leg members 146 each removably and longitudinally slidably
engaged in a respective open frame bore 148 extending longitudinally
inwardly relative to opposed longitudinal corner portions of a respective
longitudinal end of the open frame 110.
[0103] Still furthermore, each one in the pair of support members 122 is
selectively movable longitudinally between a support member extended
position and a support member retracted position relative to a respective end
edge of the top opening 104.
[0104] In some embodiments of the invention, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 11, the base member 142 of each set 116 of brush bristles is removably
engaged in a snug fit relationship in a compatibly shaped groove 144 defined
longitudinally along an inner longitudinal surface portion of a respective
longitudinal side edge 106 of the top opening 104.
[0105] Furthermore, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 11, the base
member 142 of each set 116 of brush bristles defines a base member bore
150 extending longitudinally throughout, and in register with, a respective
frame bore 148 of the open frame 110.
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[0106] Thus, with the base member of each set of brush bristles engaged in
a respective groove 144 of the open frame 110, each leg member 146 of each
support member 122 are longitudinally slidably engageable in longitudinally
corresponding open frame bore 148 and base member bore 150 respectively.
[0107] Hence, the rigid base member 142 of each set 116 of brush bristles
engaged in their respective groove 144 of the receptacle 102, in cooperative
relation with the leg members 146 of each rigid support member 122 engaged
in their respective bores 148 provide rigidity to the open frame 110 of the
flexible receptacle 102 when the manual dishwasher device 100 is supported
on opposed side edges of the sink.
[0108] Furthermore, with the flexible receptacle 102, the removable sets 116
of brush bristles and the removable pair of support members 122 of the
manual dishwasher device 100 in a disassembled state relative to one
another, the manual dishwasher device 100 may be packaged in a
susbtantially compact format, thus allowing economic shipment through parcel
mail.
[0109] This novel arrangement significantly facilitate and reduce the overall
cost production of the components of the manual dishwasher device 100, as
well as its assembly and shipping to retail stores and online shoppers.
[0110] A method of assembling a manual dishwasher device will now be
described. The manual dishwasher device includes a substantially flexible
receptacle having a top opening defining a pair of opposed longitudinal sides
edges, a pair of sets of brush bristles each including a substantially rigid
and
elongated base member, and a pair of substantially rigid and U-shaped
support members each including a pair of parallellY extending leg members.
[0111] In a first step, the method of assembly comprises engaging the base
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member of each one in the pair of sets of brush bristles longitudinally in a
groove extending along a longitudinal portion of a respective one in the pair
of
opposed longitudinal side edges of the top opening.
[0112] In a second step, the method of assembly comprises inserting the
pair of leg members of each one in the pair of U-shaped support members in
a pair of bores extending longitudinally parallelly inwardly through a
corresponding pair of end corner portions of the receptacle at each
longitudinal end of the top opening, and longitudinally in register through
each
base member in the pair of sets of brush bristles engaged in the grooves.
[0113] Thus, the top opening of the substantially flexible receptacle is
substantially rigidly maintained open.
[0114] The method of assembly may further comprise the step of
longitudinally slidably adjusting at least one in the pair of U-shaped support
members relative to the receptacle such that oppositely distally extending
portions of each one in the pair of U-shaped support members abut on top of
oppositely facing edge portions of a sink.
[0115] A method of using the device 100 will now be described. With the
receptacle 102 in a retracted state, and the U-shaped support members 122
in a retracted position, the method of use of the device 100 essentially
consist
of, in a first step, position the U-shaped support members 122 in an extended
position and rest the latters on opposed side edges of, typically, a kitchen
sink. In a second step, extend the receptacle 102 in an extended state and
close the sinkhole 128 of the receptacle 102 using the closure element 130. In
a third step, the receptacle 102 may be filled with hot water and dish soap,
followed with actually washing and brushing dish and utensil items by
individually passing each one once or more times through the brush bristles
118 and into the soaped water in the receptacle 102, thus substantially
thoroughly cleaning each item.
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[0116] Finally, once the dish and utensil items are washed, the soiled water
in the receptacle 102 may be drained by removing the closure element 130,
followed with retracting the receptacle 102 and the U-shaped support
members 122 so as to conveniently stow the device 100 in a compact
configuration for future use.
[0117] The dish brush 134 of closure element 130 may be advantageously
used before filling the receptacle 102 and washing the dishes with the device
100 to remove significant amount of leftovers in the dish plates, or used
after
having washed the dishes to remove stubborn stains with running water of the
faucet.
[0118] Further advantageously, after use, the closure element 130 including
the dish brush 1134 may by stowed longitudinally sideways within the
receptacle 102 when the latter is in a retracted state.
[0119] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the manual dishwasher
device 100 comprises a receptacle 102 for containing a liquid.
[0120] The receptacle 102 is entirely made of a substantially flexible
material
such as silicone, rubber or a synthetic rubber..
[0121] The manual dishwasher device 100 further comprises a top opening
104 defined by opposed longitudinal side edges interconnected by opposed
transversal ends 108, thus forming an open frame 110.
[0122] The receptacle 102 includes a collapsible sidewall 112 extending
substantially downwardly from the side edges of the top opening 104, and a
bottom wall 114 closing the bottom end of the sidewall 112.
[0123] Thus, the receptacle 102 is selectively movable between a receptacle
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retracted state and a receptacle extended state wherein the bottom wall 114 is
relatively closer to the top opening 104 when in the receptacle retracted
state
than in the receptacle extended state.
[0124] The manual dishwasher device 100 further comprises a pair of sets
116 of resiliently flexible brush bristles 118. Each set 116 of brush bristles
includes a substantially elongated and rigid base member 142 having a
longitudinal side portion from which a plurality of brush bristles 118 extends
perpendicularly distally therefrom, and a base member bore 150 extending
longitudinally throughout.
[0125] Furthermore, the base member 142 of each set 116 of brush bristles
is removably engaged in a snug fit relationship in a compatibly shaped groove
144 defined longitudinally along an inner longitudinal surface portion of a
respective longitudinal side edge 106 of the top opening 104 such that the
brush bristles 118 of each set 116 extend laterally and oppositely inwardly
relative to one another.
[0126] Preferably, a distal free end portion 120 of the brush bristles 118 of
each set 116 of brush bristles at least partially overlap one another along a
substantially centered longitudinal axis of the top opening 104.
[0127] The manual dishwasher device 100 further comprises a pair of
substantially rigid support members 122. Each support member 122 has a
substantially rigid U-shaped configuration that includes parallelly spaced
apart
elongated leg members 146 each removably and longitudinally slidably
engaged in a respective open frame bore 148 extending longitudinally
inwardly relative to opposed longitudinal corner portions of a respective end
of
the open frame 110.
[0128] Furthermore, each support member 122 has a distal end portion 126
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configured for resting on top of a respective one of diametrically opposed top
edge portions of a sink so as to support the receptacle 102 there between.
[0129] Furthermore, each support member 122 is selectively movable
longitudinally between a support member extended position and a support
member retracted position relative to a respective end edge of the top opening
104.
[0130] Furthermore, each open frame bore of the open frame is
longitudinally in register with a base member bore of a set of brush bristles
engaged in a respective groove of the open frame 110.
[0131] Thus, with the base member 142 of each set 116 of brush bristles
longitudinally engaged in a respective groove 144 on each side of the top
opening 104, each leg member 146 of each support member 122 is slidably
engageable in longitudinally corresponding open frame bore 148 and base
member bore 150 respectively.
[0132] Thus, the substantially rigid base member 142 engaged in their
respective groove 144, in cooperative relation with the leg members 146 of
each substantially rigid support member 126 engaged in their respective open
frame bores 148 of the receptacle 102, provide rigidity to the open frame 110
of the flexible receptacle 102 when the manual dishwasher device 100 is
supported on opposed side edges of the sink.
[0133] Thus, with the manual dishwasher device 100 supported on opposed
edges of the sink, the receptacle 102 may be extended and filled with soap
and warm water so as to wash items such as dish plates, drinking cups,
utensils and the likes by individually inserting and retrieving each item
through
the opposed brush bristles 118 a sufficient number of times.
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[0134] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, with the flexible
receptacle 102, the removable sets 116 of brush bristles and the removable
pair of support members 122 of the manual dishwasher device 100 are in a
disassembled state, the latter may be packaged in a susbtantially compact
format allowing economic shipment through parcel mail.
[0135] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by
way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing
from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
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