AUTOMATIC WASHER FOR RECEPTACLES

Abstract

An automatic washer for receptacles that is connectable to an external water source, the washer comprising: a bottom portion, capable of holding the receptacles; and a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume, wherein water from the external water source flows into the inner volume to wash the receptacles, and wherein initiation of the water flow is mechanical.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to washing of receptacles. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for automatic washing of various types of receptacles, without the need for a supply of electrical power.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manual washing of receptacles, such as drinking glasses or coffee mugs, usually consumes a large amount of time, especially when these receptacles are washed individually. Public establishments such as restaurants, nightclubs and bars, have a limited space for drinking glasses and must wash a large amount of these glasses each night, as typically every twenty minutes these glasses need to be rewashed in order to serve new customers. The staff of such establishments therefore wastes a lot of time (and water) on cleaning receptacles manually, instead of serving new clients. There are commercially available dishwashers, however these machines consume a large amount of electricity and also wasting a large amount of water (as the full volume of the dishwasher must fill up with water during the washing operation).

For example, a bar serving chaser/shot glasses (typically having a volume of 60 cc) with each bartender serving about 200 customers each night, out of which roughly 50% will consume “shots” (an alcoholic drink consumed in small glasses). As the chaser/shot glasses are relatively small the drink is consumed quickly, thus creating a large amount of dirty glasses that require cleaning. However, the bar cannot make a profit if the bartender washes glasses instead of serving customers (especially during rush hour, when most drinks are served). Most bartenders typically gather these glasses in a washtub (with stagnant water), and once the washtub is filled (typically every twenty minutes), one of the bartenders must wash all glasses. In order to save time, some bartenders only rinse these glasses (e.g. under a water tap) without properly washing them. As a result, “shots” are served in unclean glasses, and about 10% of all glasses are broken each night due to the unwary manual handling.

There is therefore a need for an automatic solution that can provide considerable saving of time, water (and money) on washing of such receptacles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an automatic washer for receptacles that is connectable to an external water source is provided, the washer comprising a bottom portion, capable of supporting the receptacles, wherein water from the external water source flows to the bottom portion to wash the receptacles, and wherein initiation of the water flow is mechanical.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion is surrounded by at least one wall.

In some embodiments, the automatic washer is coupled to a detergent dispenser.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a water pipe passing through the bottom portion, and wherein water flows through the water pipe and into the inner volume.

In some embodiments, the water pipe is perforated.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises at least one nozzle coupled to the water pipe and configured to allow spraying water in a predetermined angular distribution into the inner volume.

In some embodiments, each nozzle is configured to wash a single receptacle.

In some embodiments, the at least one nozzle is provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion.

In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser is provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion.

In some embodiments, the washer is meshed with a plurality of holes, and wherein water is sprayed through the plurality of holes into the inner volume.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises at least one drainage outlet.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a tray configured to allow gathering water drained through the at least one drainage outlet.

In some embodiments, the top portion further comprising at least one water distribution segment having a shape configured to allow redistribution of water sprayed from the at least one nozzle onto the top portion.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion further comprises at least one dedicated nozzle corresponding to the at least one water distribution segment, and wherein the at least one dedicated nozzle sprays water directly onto the at least one water distribution segment.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a mechanical switch capable of initiating the washing.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion comprises a stainless steel material.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a flow controller coupled the external water source.

In some embodiments, the flow controller is further coupled to the bottom portion.

In some embodiments, the flow controller provides a predetermined amount of water for each washing.

In some embodiments, the flow controller operates a predetermined amount of time for each washing.

In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser is physically connected to the flow controller, and wherein initiation of the flow controller simultaneously initiates dispensing of detergent.

In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a pumping mechanism operable by the pressure of the water.

In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism further comprises a piston movable through an inlet space and an air-filled outlet space, and wherein the inlet space is capable of being filled with water.

In some embodiments, water enters the inlet space and moves the piston towards the outlet space.

In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism is connected to a first one-directional valve coupled to the detergent dispenser, and wherein air pressure caused by movement of the piston into the outlet space moves a predetermined amount of detergent through the first one-directional valve.

In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism is further connected to a second one-directional valve coupled to the water pipe, and wherein air pressure caused by movement of the piston into the outlet space moves a predetermined amount of detergent through the second one-directional valve to mix with the water in the water pipe.

In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism further comprises an elastic spring capable of pushing the piston back into the inlet space.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for washing receptacles with a connection to an external water source is provided, the method comprising:

• • providing a bottom portion, capable of holding the receptacles;
  • providing a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume;
  • providing a detergent dispenser coupled to the bottom portion;
  • mechanically initiating a washing cycle;
  • passing a predetermined amount of water from the external water source to mix with a predetermined amount of detergent; and
  • passing the water into the inner volume, to wash the receptacles.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing a flow controller: and operating for a predetermined amount of time.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing at least one nozzle coupled to the bottom portion; and spraying water from the nozzle into the inner volume.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a flow pump, connectable to an external water source is provided, the flow pump comprising: a pump body; and a piston movable through an inlet space and an air-filled outlet space in the pump body, wherein the inlet space is capable of being filled with water, and wherein the flow pump is operable by the pressure of the water entering the inlet space and moving the piston towards the outlet space.

In some embodiments, the flow pump further comprises a one-directional valve, and wherein air pressure caused by movement of the piston into the outlet space moves a predetermined amount of fluid through the one-directional valve.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a transparent perspective view of an automatic piped washer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a nozzle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the internal pipe structure of the automatic piped washer coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a perspective partial view of a piped bottom portion, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2D schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer coupled to a plurality of nozzles in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a perspective view of an internal pipe structure with pillars and coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer with pillars and coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3C schematically illustrates a perspective view of an elongated internal pipe structure coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3D schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer with the elongated internal pipe structure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a mesh bottom portion, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a perspective view of an automatic mesh washer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded bottom portion, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded mesh washer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a water distribution segment, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the water distribution segment embedded into the top portion of the automatic washer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6C schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the automatic washer with water distribution segments embedded into the top portion, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a perspective exploded view of a compact automatic washer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a detergent dispenser and flow controller coupled to the water pipe, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8B schematically illustrates a side view of a detergent dispenser and flow controller coupled to the water pipe, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a perspective view of the detergent dispenser physically connected to the flow controller, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8D schematically illustrates a side view of the detergent dispenser physically connected to the flow controller, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a flow pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the flow pump connected to the water pipe of the automatic washer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump in a closed state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10B schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a transparent perspective view of an automatic piped washer 10. The automatic piped washer 10 may serve as a container with at least partial hermetical sealing (in a closed state), into which dirty receptacles 7 (e.g. drinking glasses) may be inserted for washing. The automatic piped washer 10 has a bottom portion 11 surrounded by at least one wall 12, whereby the receptacles 7 may be placed onto the bottom portion 11, and between the wall 12. Additionally, the automatic piped washer 10 has a top portion 13 as a lid for the “container”, such that in an open state the top portion 13 may be moved in order to insert the receptacles 7. Alternatively, the receptacles may be inserted into the container from a side opening instead of the top portion. Once the washer is in a closed state again, water may flow into the inner volume of the automatic piped washer 10 (i.e. between the bottom portion 11, the wall 12, and the top portion 13) such that the exterior of the automatic piped washer 10 remains dry.

A water pipe 15 passes through the automatic piped washer 10 such that water may flow from the water pipe 15 (for instance via perforations) in order to wash the dirty receptacles 7 that are placed inside the automatic piped washer 10, further described hereinafter. The water supply for the water pipe 15 may be received at a proximal end 18 from an external source 5 (for instance a household water tap). Optionally, a stopper is located at a distal end 19 of the water pipe 15 so that the water pressure may increases inside the water pipe 15, and thus water may flow into the automatic piped washer 10. It should be noted that the automatic piped washer operates automatically, for instance with a mechanical switch that allows a predetermined amount of water to flow and wash the receptacles, whereby no electrical power is needed for such operation.

In some embodiments, a detergent dispenser 17 may be coupled to the automatic piped washer 10 and connected directly to the water pipe 15, for instance as a built-in unit that is embedded into the wall 12 of the automatic piped washer 10, so that a small amount of detergent may be released into the water pipe 15 prior to initiating water flow into the automatic piped washer 10. Alternatively, the detergent dispenser 17 may be an external unit that is connected to the water pipe 15, between the external water source 5 and the proximal end 18 of the automatic piped washer 10. After all of the detergent is washed from the water pipe 15, an additional amount of water may be required to wash the detergent from the receptacles 7, further described hereinafter. Similarly, the detergent dispenser 17 may be replaced to dispense other materials (e.g. disinfecting substances).

It is appreciated that the automatic washer may be used in any environment having a water source, including offices, hotel rooms (e.g. to allow visitors to clean drinking glasses), household kitchens (near or inside a sink), and also bars/restaurants. The dimensions of the automatic washer may vary according to the required number of receptacles to be inserted therein, for example a small washer for hotels (e.g. for one glass or two) and a large washer for restaurants (e.g. for up to twenty glasses).

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, these figures show nozzles coupled to the automatic piped washer. FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a nozzle 24, and FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the internal pipe structure 25 of the automatic piped washer 10 coupled to a plurality of nozzles 24.

At least one nozzle 24 may be coupled to the internal pipe structure 25 of the automatic piped washer 10, for instance with coupling to perforations at predetermined locations along the water pipe 15. Each nozzle 24 comprises a bottom segment 27 that is configured to connect to the water pipe 15 such that water may flow from the water pipe 15 and into the nozzle 24. Additionally, each nozzle 24 may comprise a body 28 capable of holding a predetermined amount of water, and also at least one aperture 29 through which the water may flow into the inner volume of the automatic piped washer 10. Preferably, each nozzle 24 may spray water (through the at least one aperture 29) with a predetermined angular distribution being in the range of 0°-360°.

FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a perspective partial view of a piped bottom portion 21, and FIG. 2D schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer 20 coupled to a plurality of nozzles 24, in an open state. Dirty receptacles 7 may be placed upside-down onto the piped bottom portion 21 (similarly to the bottom portion 11 as shown in FIG. 1), whereby each receptacle 7 may be positioned over a single nozzle 24. It should be noted that all of the nozzles 24 are positioned in the same plane such that water may pass in the same direction therethrough. Thus, once the automatic piped washer 20 is closed and water flows through the water pipe 15, the inner space of the receptacles 7 may be washed. Optionally, the water pipe 15 may be branched inside the piped bottom portion 21, such that the nozzles 24 may be positioned in various locations.

In some embodiments, the nozzles are provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion, for instance using extrusion to create a bottom portion with a plurality of built-in nozzles. Optionally, the bottom portion comprises a solid polymeric material with corrugation corresponding to accommodate the water pipe. In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser is also embedded into the automatic piped washer as a single unit.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, these figures show additional configurations for the positioning of the nozzles. FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a perspective view of an internal pipe structure 37 with pillars 32 and coupled to a plurality of nozzles 24, and FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer 30 with pillars 32 and coupled to a plurality of nozzles 24.

The water pipe 15 may be elongated with at least one pillar 32 in order to allow additional configurations for the positioning of the nozzles 24. Preferably, a nozzle 34 coupled to the at least one pillar 32 is perpendicular to the other nozzles 24 connected to the water pipe 15. Thus, water flowing from the nozzles 34 connected to the at least one pillar 32 may wash the sides of the receptacles 7, in addition to the other nozzles 24 washing the inner side. Optionally, each pillar 32 also has a stopper end so that the water pressure may increases inside the water pipe 15.

FIG. 3C schematically illustrates a perspective view of an elongated internal pipe structure 33 coupled to a plurality of nozzles 24, and FIG. 3D schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer 31 with the elongated internal pipe structure 33.

In some embodiments, the at least one pillar 32 (perpendicular to the water pipe 15) is further elongated in a direction that is parallel to the water pipe 15. The elongated pipe 35 may also be coupled to nozzles 36 such that the receptacles 7 may be placed between nozzles 24 connected to the water pipe 15 and a nozzle 36 connected to the elongated pipe 35. Thus, the receptacles 7 may be washed from the inner side (by nozzles 24 connected to the water pipe 15), and also from the outer side (by nozzles 36 connected to the elongated pipe 35). Optionally, the elongated pipe 35 also has a stopper end 39 so that the water pressure may increases inside the water pipe 15.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, these figures show an additional configuration for the washing system with an automatic mesh washer. FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a mesh bottom portion 43, and FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a perspective view of an automatic mesh washer 40.

The mesh bottom portion 43 comprises a plurality of holes 41 (typically 100-150 holes, each with a diameter of about 0.3-1 mm) that spray water flowing from an external supply into the inner volume of the automatic mesh washer 40, similarly to a shower head spraying water through multiple tiny holes. Thus, by simply placing the receptacles 7 onto the mesh bottom portion 43, the inner side of the receptacles 7 may be washed without the need for additional nozzles. Optionally, the mesh bottom portion 43 may further comprise at least one groove 42 capable of gathering water from the mesh bottom portion 43 for drainage.

By initiating water flow from the external source (e.g. by opening a water tap), the water may flow through into the automatic washer. Increasing water pressure inside the washer may cause water to be sprayed into the inner volume of the receptacles 7 through the holes 41 in the mesh bottom portion 43 (thus cleaning the inner surface of the receptacles 7). In some embodiments, additional holes may be provided at the walls of the automatic washer such that the outer side of the receptacles may also be washed.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, these figures show a further configuration for the washing system with an extruded automatic washer. FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded bottom portion 55, and FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded mesh washer 54.

The entire bottom portion 55 of the automatic washer 54 may be extruded as a single unit, such that optimal water distribution may be achieved. The extruded bottom portion 55 may comprise a plurality of built-in spouts 56 from which the water may flow (e.g. from a water pipe) into the automatic extruded mesh washer 54. Each spout 56 may comprise a base 58, into which water may accumulate in order to increase the water pressure, and also a spout opening 59 from which the water sprays. Preferably, a single receptacle 7 may be fitted onto a single spout 56. Optionally, the extruded bottom portion 55 further comprises at least one outlet 57 into which water accumulated inside the extruded mesh washer 54 may drain.

It is appreciated that in all embodiments for the automatic washer, a drain outlet that is configured to prevent accumulation of water within the automatic washer and their elevation to a height from the bottom that allows the water to touch the receptacles.

Optionally, the automatic washer may be placed over a sink (for draining dirty water, e.g. in a bar) and connected to a water tap. Dirty receptacles may be cleaned with the automatic washer simply by opening and closing the water tap in a totally automatic manner. After a predetermined time, when the receptacles are clean and may be removed from the automatic washer, the water source is closed. Alternatively, the automatic washer comprises a water draining unit (e.g. a dedicated tray), instead of being placed over a sink, and/or operated with a mechanical switch with constant water pressure from the water source, instead of being operated with opening of the water source.

It should be noted that the automatic washer does not consume electrical power in order to operate (as it only requires water pressure). Furthermore, the automatic washer does not require filling the entire volume of the container with water (as the water is sprayed onto the receptacles). In this way, the automatic washer may prevent wasting large amounts of water and/or electricity.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, these figures show a water distribution segment embedded into the top portion of the automatic washer. FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a water distribution segment 65, and FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the water distribution segment 65 embedded into the top portion 63 of the automatic washer. FIG. 6C schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the automatic washer 60 with water distribution segments 65 embedded into the top portion 63.

The water distribution segment 65 has a shape that is configured to redistribute water sprayed onto the top portion 63 such that the outer side of the receptacles 7 may be washed by the redistributed flow from the top portion 63, whereby there is no need for additional water pipes on the top portion 63 as water only flows from the bottom portion 61. The shape of the water distribution segment 65 is preferably a concave wall 68 with a central convex segment 67 such that water splashed onto the wall 68 may be directed towards the convex segment 67 and then distributed away from the distribution segment 65. Optionally, additional partitions 69 may be positioned along the concave wall 68 in order to further distribute the water flow. It is appreciated that many other shapes for the water distribution segment may also be used in order to redistribute the water inside the washer.

Therefore, the top portion 63 with embedded water distribution segments 65 may provide optimal washing for the outer side of the receptacles 7 without additional water flow in the top portion 63. In a preferred embodiment, each water distribution segment 65 may be positioned to be opposite of a dedicated nozzle 24, whereby the dedicated nozzle 24 is configured to direct the water flow onto the opposite distribution segment 65 instead of washing the interior of a receptacle 7 (for example dedicated nozzles 64, as shown in FIGS. 2C-2D). Thus, with the same water amount passing through the water pipe 15 enhanced washing of the receptacles 7 may be provided due to the redistribution of the water from the distribution segments 65. Optionally, the top portion 63 further comprises a mechanical switch 66 such that in a closed state the top portion contacts the switch 66 and the washing process may commence with the need for electricity.

Referring now to FIG. 7, this figure schematically illustrates a perspective exploded view of a compact automatic washer 70. The compact automatic washer 70 may be mostly useful for washing of a small number of receptacles 7 (preferably one or two receptacles), for instance in a hotel room. The compact automatic washer 70 comprises a bottom portion 71, onto which the receptacles 7 may be placed, surrounded by a wall 72 and a top portion 73 (similarly to the automatic washer shown in FIG. 1). The bottom portion 71 may be meshed (similarly to the mesh bottom portion, as shown in FIG. 4A) such that water from a water pipe 75 may spray the inner volume of the compact automatic washer 70. Optionally, the water pipe 75 may receive water from an external water source 5.

The bottom portion 71 may also be perforated and comprise a drainage unit 74 with tubes corresponding to drain perforations in the bottom portion 71. The drained water may be gathered in a dedicated removable tray 79 at the bottom of the compact automatic washer 70 (for example such a tray may be replaced once a week in order to remove the accumulated water there). Optionally, the compact automatic washer 70 may be further connected to a detergent dispenser 77 configured to allow dispensing a detergent together with the water flowing into the compact automatic washer 70. In a further embodiment, a mechanical switch 76 may initiate the washing process.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of the automatic washer comprises a stainless steel material such that water does not damage the washer.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, these figures show a flow controller coupled to the water pipe. FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a detergent dispenser 17 and flow controller 87 coupled to the water pipe 15, and FIG. 8B schematically illustrates a side view of the same. It should be noted that by controlling the flow of water through the water pipe, the need to manually stop the water flow (e.g. by closing the water tap) may be eliminated if only a required amount of water is released into the water pipe. Optionally, the flow controller may be connected directly to the external water source, or alternatively connected between the external water source and the automatic washer.

There are different types of controllers for controlling the water flow in the water pipe (similarly to automatic watering controllers used in gardening). A first option is a flow controller fixed for a predetermined amount of water (e.g. for a volume of one to three liters). Once the flow is initiated (e.g. by pressing a button, or turning a knob), the predetermined amount of water flows through the pipe, and the flow controller prevents further flow of water. In this way, the washing of the receptacles is completely automatic as the washing only needs to be initiated manually, and stops when the water flow ceases. A second option is a flow controller fixed to work for a predetermined amount of time. Once the flow is initiated (e.g. by pressing a button, or turning a knob), the water may flow through the pipe for the predetermined amount of time, so that the flow controller prevents further flow of water beyond this time.

In a preferred embodiment, the automatic washer comprises a timed flow controller 89 having mechanical means (for instance a spring release mechanism) that allows water to flow into the water pipe 15 (inside the automatic washer) for a predetermined amount of time, typically a thirty seconds flow is sufficient to wash the receptacles. Optionally, the timed flow controller and the detergent dispenser are embedded into the washer as a single unit.

FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a perspective view of the detergent dispenser 17 physically connected to the flow controller 87, and FIG. 8D schematically illustrates a side view of the same. In this embodiment, a plate 88 may physically connect the detergent dispenser 17 and the flow controller 87 such that imitating the washing commences both the timed flow controller 89 for a predetermined amount of time, and also commences dispensing a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent dispenser 17 into the water pipe 15. For example, closing the top portion of the automatic washer (similarly to closing a lid of a container) may press onto the plate 88 and thus initiate the detergent dispenser 17 and the flow controller 87 that are connected thereto.

In some embodiments, the top portion of the automatic washer may be connected with a hinge, similarly to a lid of a box. Once the top portion is closed, it may physically contact a mechanical switch, for instance the top portion may press a button and initiate the washing process (for example the mechanical switch 66, as shown in FIG. 6C). Thus, the detergent from the detergent dispenser may be automatically released into the automatic washer and provide water with detergent to wash the receptacles. Optionally, such a mechanical switch may also initiate the timed flow controller.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, these figures show a flow pump that may be coupled with the water pipe of the automatic washer. FIG. 9A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a flow pump 90, and FIG. 9B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the flow pump 90 connected to the water pipe of the automatic washer.

The flow pump 90 comprises a pumping mechanism (further described with FIGS. 10A-10B), and an inlet 99 that may be coupled to a portion of the water pipe 96 such that the water therein applies pressure onto the pumping mechanism inside the pump. Furthermore, the flow pump 90 may further comprise an outlet 98 through which a detergent may be dispensed into the water pipe from the detergent dispenser 17. Optionally, the flow pump 90 further comprises a ventilation aperture configured to maintain a predetermined air pressure in an air filled outlet space inside the pump 90 (preferably an ambient atmospheric pressure).

The outlet 98 may be connected to a first one-directional valve 91 placed between the outlet 98 and the detergent dispenser 17, such that the detergent may only floe from the detergent dispenser 17 and towards the outlet 98. The outlet 98 may be further connected to a second one-directional valve 92 placed between the outlet 98 and a different portion of the water pipe 97 into which water mixed with the detergent are entering. Preferably, the portion of the water pipe 97 that is connected to the second one-directional valve 92 is also the portion from which the water flows into the inner volume of the automatic washer.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, these figures show the pumping mechanism of the flow pump 90. FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump 90 in a closed state, and FIG. 10B schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump 90 in an open state.

The pumping mechanism comprises a piston 100 coupled to elastic means 102 (e.g. a spring) that may be move in accordance with the water pressure. Once water flows to the inlet 99, the water pressure in the inlet space 101 rises and thereby presses the elastic means 102 such that the piston 100 moves towards the outlet 98. Optionally, the pumping mechanism further comprises seals between the piston 100 and the water pipe. Alternatively, the seals may be replaced with an elastic membrane that may push the piston 100.

It is appreciated that at the end of the previous washing cycle, a predetermined amount of detergent has been released from the detergent dispenser 17 towards the outlet 98. Therefore, with the movement of the piston 100 into the air filled outlet space 103, the air pressure there rises and forces the detergent at the outlet 98 to move towards the second one-directional valve 92 (shown in FIG. 9B) in order to allow the detergent to be mixed with the water flow in the pipe.

At the end of each washing cycle, the water pressure at the inlet space 101 decreases such that the piston 100 is pushed towards the inlet 99 due to the elastic force applied by the elastic means 102. Then, an additional amount of detergent may flow through the first one-directional valve 91 (shown in FIG. 9B) towards the outlet 98 due to the “sucking” effect caused by the air pressure in the outlet space 103. With the detergent in the outlet 98, the washer is ready for an additional washing cycle wherein no electrical power is required for the washer.

It should be noted that the inlet space 101 has a larger volume compared to the outlet space 103, such that sufficient water pressure may be created in order to push the piston towards the outlet 98.

In a further embodiment, the automatic washer may further have a sterilization system operating with steam. By heating a predetermined amount of water, the steam may be created for sterilizing the receptacles. The heating may be accomplished with electrical power (e.g. using a battery), or with solar power (using a solar panel). Optionally, the automatic washer may be operated with an electrical mechanism controlling both the water flow and the detergent dispensing. Preferably, all portions of the automatic washer may withstand heating of up to 100° C.

Additionally, air can be introduced through the pipe by connecting an air source such as pressurized air balloon. The air can be introduced through the same water holes in order to dry up the receptacles. The pressurized air can pass through a side pipe connected to the main water pipe. Alternatively, air may be introduced through the pipe by a manual air source (e.g. a pump). An additional controller may control the process of washing the glasses as well as drying them.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic washer for receptacles that is connectable to an external water source, the washer comprising: wherein water from the external water source flows to the bottom portion to wash the receptacles, and wherein initiation of the water flow is mechanical.

a bottom portion, capable of supporting the receptacles,

2. The automatic washer according to claim 1, further comprising a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume.

3. (canceled)

4. The automatic washer according to claim 2, wherein the automatic washer is coupled to a detergent dispenser.

5. The automatic washer according to claim 2, further comprising a water pipe passing through the bottom portion, and wherein water flows through the water pipe and into the inner volume.

6. (canceled)

7. The automatic washer according to claim 5, further comprising at least one nozzle coupled to the water pipe and configured to allow spraying water in a predetermined angular distribution into the inner volume.

8. The automatic washer according to claim 7, wherein each nozzle is configured to wash a single receptacle.

9. The automatic washer according to claim 8, wherein the at least one nozzle is provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion.

10. The automatic washer according to claim 4, wherein the detergent dispenser is provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion.

11. The automatic washer according to claim 2, wherein the washer is meshed with a plurality of holes, and wherein water is sprayed through the plurality of holes into the inner volume.

12. The automatic washer according to claim 2, further comprising at least one drainage outlet.

13. The automatic washer according to claim 12, further comprising a tray configured to allow gathering water drained through the at least one drainage outlet.

14. The automatic washer according to claim 7, wherein the top portion further comprising at least one water distribution segment having a shape configured to allow redistribution of water sprayed from the at least one nozzle onto the top portion.

15. The automatic washer according to claim 14, wherein the bottom portion further comprises at least one dedicated nozzle corresponding to the at least one water distribution segment, and wherein the at least one dedicated nozzle sprays water directly onto the at least one water distribution segment.

16. The automatic washer of claim 2, further comprising a mechanical switch capable of initiating the washing.

17. (canceled)

18. The automatic washer according to claim 2, further comprising a flow controller coupled the external water source.

19. The automatic washer according to claim 18, wherein the flow controller is further coupled to the bottom portion.

20. The automatic washer according to claim 18, wherein the flow controller provides a predetermined amount of water for each washing.

21. The automatic washer according to claim 2, wherein the flow controller operates a predetermined amount of time for each washing.

22-28. (canceled)

29. A method for washing receptacles with a connection to an external water source, the method comprising:

providing a bottom portion, capable of holding the receptacles;

providing a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume;

providing a detergent dispenser coupled to the bottom portion;

mechanically initiating a washing cycle;

passing a predetermined amount of water from the external water source to mix with a predetermined amount of detergent; and

passing the water into the inner volume, to wash the receptacles.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

providing a flow controller; and

operating for a predetermined amount of time.

31-33. (canceled)