The present invention relates to a washing machine, components of a washing machine, and methods of cleaning a washing machine and/or components thereof. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a to a continuous motion washing machine.
Continuous motion pot and pan (as well as produce and other items) washing machines, of the type used in restaurants, institutions and other eating facilities often involve a large wash tank or basin in which wash fluid is circulated to provide a rolling wash action for the pots and pans. One such machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,436 issued to Cantrell et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The machine of Cantrell includes a wash tank with multiple jets evenly spaced apart at an elevated position along the rear wall of the wash tank. The tank is filled with water (wash fluid) to a level above the position of the jets. Pots and pans are placed in the wash tank, and a pump is activated to draw fluid from within the wash tank and direct it through the jets to create a jet stream. Each jet directs its jet stream toward the bottom wall of the wash tank, the bottom wall then deflects the jet stream upward and towards the front wall of the tank. The front wall then deflects the upward moving jet stream towards the rear wall of the tank, and the rear wall deflects the jet stream downward and back towards the front wall along the bottom wall. The combination of deflections of the jet stream from the bottom, front and rear walls provides a rolling washing action within the wash tank.
The basic components of the wash tank of an exemplary pot and pan washing machine of the prior art are shown in
Although the prior art pot and pan washing machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,436 provides an exceptional wash action, many of the components discussed above hinder the overall efficiency and performance of the machine. The inventions disclosed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/947,484, 09/947,485, and 10/744,666, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, provide components that greatly increase the overall efficiency and performance of the machine, including improvements to the intake and discharge manifolds, jets, pump and system assembly methods. Additionally, the inventions disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/842,984, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, provides components and methods for washing produce. Nevertheless, prior to the advent of the instant invention, access for cleaning the discharge manifold of the washing machine was limited. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a device for, and method of, providing easy access for cleaning the discharge manifold of a pot and pan washing machine and/or a produce washing machine. Additionally, it would be beneficial for the device to create an effective seal between the discharge manifold and the wash tank of the washing machine when the discharge manifold is pressurized.
Pots and pans are typically washed using a hot cleaning solution, such as hot water and a relatively strong detergent. Consequently, as the hot cleaning solution circulates through the pot and pan washing machine, the machine itself is being cleaned and sanitized. Furthermore, debris, such as food particles, is typically scraped off of pots and pans prior to placing the pots and pans into the washing machine so as to reduce the chances that debris will migrate past the intake manifold and/or otherwise become trapped within concealed areas of the washing machine, such as an interior area of a discharge manifold. Furthermore still, the hot cleaning solution sterilizes and helps to break-down much of the debris that becomes trapped within such concealed areas of the washing machine. Regardless, it would be beneficial for a pot and pan washing machine to include a device for, and method of, providing easy access for cleaning concealed and/or otherwise inaccessible areas of the washing machine.
Produce is typically washed using a cold solution, such as cold water. The cold solution may or may not include a relatively weak detergent. Consequently, the circulation of cold solution through the produce washing machine does not necessarily clean or sanitize the washing machine. Furthermore, particles of produce and other debris are often removed from the produce (intentionally or unintentionally) during the washing process. Some of this debris becomes trapped within concealed areas of the washing machine. Furthermore still, the cold solution does not necessarily sterilize or break-down the debris that becomes trapped within such concealed areas of the washing machine. Thus, it would be beneficial for a produce washing machine to include a device for, and a method of, providing easy access for cleaning concealed and/or otherwise inaccessible areas of the washing machine.
Furthermore, accessories, such as produce cutters, are often mounted on washing machines. Such accessories can hold water and/or debris, such as food particles, and/or can trap water and/or debris between the accessory and the washing machine. Thus, it would be beneficial for a washing machine accessory to be removable from a washing machine so that the accessory and the washing machine can be more easily cleaned.
Furthermore still, referring to
The instant invention provides a removable jet channel that is capable of providing easier access for cleaning a discharge manifold of continuous motion wash tank style machines such as the washing machines described in any of U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,436, or U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/947,484, 09/947,485, 10/744,666, 12/430,724, 12/765,838, 12/842,984 (the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference). It will be appreciated that other washing machines, or various combinations of washing machine components, may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.
The instant invention also provides a purging system and a method of purging debris, such as food particles, from concealed areas of a washing machine. The instant invention still further provides an accessory that is removably coupled to a washing machine so as to provide ease of use of the accessory and ease of cleaning the accessory and the washing machine.
The removable jet channel of the instant invention includes a plurality of discharge jets and is selectively mounted along a rear wall within the wash tank of a continuous motion washing machine, such as any of those described above. In a preferred embodiment, the continuous motion washing machine also includes an intake along the rear wall of the wash tank. In another preferred embodiment, the washing machine includes a pair of partitioning walls (or a single partitioning wall, if located at one of the ends of the wash tank) to subdivide a section of the wash tank.
In one preferred embodiment, the partitioning walls are removably supported within voids created between two adjacent flow guide structures within the wash tank as is further described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/765,838, filed on Apr. 22, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, each partitioning wall is held in position within the wash tank via a pair of removable support brackets that include rails or a slot in which the partition is retained. In yet other embodiments, each pardoning wall is held in position by non-removable supports, such as rails or channels welded to the walls of the wash tank.
When coupled to the discharge manifold, the jet channel creates a seal between the wash tank and the discharge manifold such that water forced through the discharge manifold is forced to flow through the discharge jets. In one embodiment the jet channel includes opposed flanges that deflect to create a lip seal function when the jet channel is positioned in the discharge manifold.
One method of cleaning the discharge manifold, based on the present invention, includes removing the jet channel from the discharge manifold so as to gain relatively unencumbered access to the discharge manifold. While the jet channel is removed, the discharge manifold and the jet channel, including the discharge jets, may be easily cleaned. When cleaning is finished, the jet channel may be re-inserted within the discharge manifold to enable further operation of the washing machine.
The purging system includes a selector valve in selective fluid communication with a plurality of purging ports, each purging port being strategically positioned so as to direct a stream of purging fluid into a concealed area of the washing machine. One method of purging a washing machine, based on the present invention, includes forcing purging fluid through one or more purging port so as to direct debris towards the discharge manifold and/or the wash tank of the washing machine. In some methods, a firing sequence is used to force purging fluid through one or more initial purging port in a specific sequence. In some such methods, purging fluid forced through the one or more initial purging port causes debris near the one or more initial purging port to migrate towards the discharge manifold and/or the wash tank. In some embodiments and/or circumstances, the debris also migrates towards one or more other purging port while purging fluid is not being forced through the one or more other purging port. Purging fluid is then forced through the one or more other purging port so as to cause the debris to continue to travel towards the discharge manifold and/or the wash tank. In some embodiments of the present invention, the firing sequence is repeated until all, or a substantial amount of, the debris located in concealed areas of the washing machine migrates into the discharge manifold and/or out into the wash tank of the washing machine.
The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof. The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.
A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the jet channel 200 is configured to be received by at least a portion of the discharge manifold 160 so as to create an enclosed channel and/or to conceal at least a portion of the interior area 170 of the discharge manifold 160. In some embodiments, the top 216 and bottom 218 flanges of the jet channel 200 extend into the discharge manifold 160 such that respective outer surfaces of the top 216 and bottom 218 flanges of the jet channel 200 nest against respective inner surfaces of respective top 166 and bottom 168 walls of the discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the jet channel 200 and the discharge manifold 160 are configured such that as the jet channel 200 is inserted further into the discharge manifold 160, the top 166 and bottom 168 walls of the discharge manifold 160 force the top 216 and bottom 218 flanges of the jet channel 200 inward towards each other. In this way, a normal force is created between the top 166 and bottom 168 walls and respective top 216 and bottom 218 flanges so as to create a seal between top 166 and bottom 168 walls and respective top 216 and bottom 218 flanges and/or to prevent or inhibit the jet channel 200 from being inserted too far into the discharge manifold 160.
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the jet channel 200 further includes proximal 212 and distal 214 recessed panels positioned adjacent to respective proximal 202 and distal 204 ends of the jet channel 200. In some embodiments, the recessed panels 212, 214 extend between the top 216 and bottom 218 flanges and are parallel with, but slightly recessed aft of, the front panel 210. In some such embodiments, the proximal 212 and distal 214 recessed panels are configured to engage with respective proximal 172 and distal 174 front walls of the discharge manifold 160 when the jet channel 200 is in a locked configuration so as to create a seal between respective front surfaces of the recessed panels 212, 214 and respective aft surfaces of respective front walls 172, 174 and/or to prevent or inhibit the jet channel 200 from being expelled from the discharge manifold 160 during operation. In other such embodiments, a front surface of the front panel 210 of the jet channel 200 is relatively flush with an inner surface of the rear side wall 116 of the wash tank 110 when the jet channel 200 is in the locked configuration.
Referring to
In use, washing fluid in the discharge manifold 160 generally flows from an open proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold 160 towards a closed distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160. In this way, the flow of the washing fluid exerts a net force on the continuous walls 226 of the jet nozzles 220 so as to bias the jet channel 200 towards the locked configuration. Furthermore, as the pump 150 increases pressure in the discharge manifold 160 relative to pressure in the wash tank 110, the recessed panels 212, 214 of the jet channel 200 are forced against respective front walls 172, 174 of the discharge manifold 160 so as to create and/or preserve a seal between the jet channel 200 and the discharge manifold 160, thereby forcing washing fluid out the jet nozzles 220 of the jet channel 200 into the wash tank 110. In some such embodiments, the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 includes a distal end wall 175 extending between top 166, bottom 168, back 169, and distal front 174 walls so as to create a closed distal end 164.
In a preferred embodiment, when the washing machine 100 is not operating, a user is able to move the jet channel 200 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by sliding the jet channel 200 towards the proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold 160. In other embodiments, a user is able to move the jet channel 200 from the unlocked configuration to the rotated configuration by rotating the distal end 204 of the jet channel 200 away from the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160. In still other embodiments, a user is able to remove the jet channel 200 from the washing machine 100 when the jet channel 200 is in the rotated configuration by moving the proximal end 202 of the jet channel 200 laterally away from the proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold 160 until the jet channel 200 is removed from the washing machine 100. In still other embodiments, a user is able to move the jet channel 200 between locked, unlocked, and rotated configurations, and/or is able to remove the jet channel 200 from the washing machine 100, without the use of tools.
In a preferred embodiment, a user is able to clean the interior area 170 of the discharge manifold 160 when the jet channel 200 is removed from the washing machine 100. In some such embodiments, the user is then able to reinstall the old jet channel 200 or install a new jet channel 200 by positioning the proximal end 202 of the jet channel 200 within the interior area 170 of the discharge manifold 160, sliding the proximal end 202 of the jet channel 200 towards the proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold 160 until the jet channel 200 is in the rotated configuration, rotating the distal end 204 of the jet channel 200 towards the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 until the jet channel 200 is in the unlocked configuration, and sliding the distal end 204 of the jet channel 200 towards the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 until the jet channel 200 is in the locked configuration.
Some embodiments of washing machines 100 include one or more discharge guard rod 155 positioned in or near the proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the one or more discharge guard rod 155 is configured to prevent or inhibit a user from reaching into the interior volume 156 of the pump 150 and/or from otherwise being harmed by the impeller 158 of the pump 150. In some embodiments, the proximal end 202 of the jet channel 200 defines a clearance profile 230 that is configured to provide clearance between the one or more discharge guard rod 155 and the proximal end 202 of the jet channel 200 when the jet channel 200 is in the rotated configuration, when the jet channel 200 is in the unlocked configuration, and/or when the jet channel 200 is moving between the rotated configuration and the unlocked configuration. In some such embodiments, the distal end 204 of the jet channel 200 does not include a clearance profile. In this way, the distal end 204 of the jet channel 200 prevents the jet channel 200 from being moved to the rotated configuration, the unlocked, and/or the locked configuration in the event that a user tries to install the jet channel 200 upside down.
In some embodiments, the jet channel 200, the discharge manifold 160, and/or the wash tank 110 includes one or more means of decreasing the likelihood or even eliminating the possibility that a user will install the jet channel 200 improperly. For instance, some embodiments of the jet channel 200 include pictures of the jet channel 200 with instructions, such as directional arrows, for installing and/or removing a jet channel 200. In this way, the jet channel 200 communicates proper installation techniques to a user, thereby increasing the likelihood that the jet channel 200 will be installed properly. Other embodiments of the jet channel 200 further include one or more catch feature 242, 244 that is configured to catch one or more feature of the discharge manifold 160 and/or the wash tank 110 in the event that a user tries to install the jet channel 200 backwards.
One embodiment of the catch feature 242, 244 of the jet channel 200 is a proximal 242 and/or distal 244 tab extending from a rear surface of the front panel 210 and/or the respective proximal 212 or distal 214 recessed panel of the jet channel 200. In some such embodiments, the proximal 242 and/or distal 244 tabs extend aft and upwards from the front panel 210 and/or the respective proximal 212 or distal 214 recessed panel at approximately the same angle that the continuous walls 226 of the jet nozzles 220 extend aft and upward from each nozzle aperture 222. In other such embodiments, the proximal 242 and/or distal 244 tabs extend beyond the top 216 and/or bottom 218 flanges of the jet channel 200.
In some embodiments, the proximal tab 242 is configured to catch the proximal front wall 172 of the discharge manifold 160 in the event that a user tries to install the jet channel 200 backwards. In this way, the proximal tab 242 of the jet channel 200 prevents the jet channel 200 from being installed backwards.
In other embodiments, the distal tab 244 is configured to catch the proximal front wall 172 of the discharge manifold 160 in the event that a user tries to install the jet channel 200 upside down and backwards. In this way, the distal tab 244 of the jet channel 200 prevents the jet channel 200 from being installed upside down and backwards.
In still other embodiments, the proximal 242 and/or distal 244 tabs of the jet channel 200 are configured to contact the back wall 169 of the discharge manifold 160 in the event that a user tries to install the jet channel 200 too far back relative to the discharge manifold 160. Consequently, in some such embodiments, the proximal 242 and/or distal 244 tabs of the jet channel 200 prevent the jet channel 200 from being installed too far into the discharge manifold 160. In this way, the discharge manifold 160 and/or the jet channel 200 are less likely to be damaged by the installation of the jet channel 200. Furthermore, in this way, the jet channel 200 and the discharge manifold 160 are more likely to create a seal between respective front surfaces of the recessed panels 212, 214 of the jet channel 200 and respective aft surfaces of respective front walls 172, 174 of the discharge manifold 160.
In yet other embodiments, the jet channel 200 includes one or more partition slot 250 for selectively receiving one or more partitioning wall 130. In some such embodiments, the one or more partitioning wall 130 keys to the one or more partition slot 250 when the jet channel 200 is in the locked configuration so as to maintain the jet channel 200 in the locked configuration.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the mount assembly 410 is movable between a secured configuration and an unsecured configuration. In some such embodiments, the mount assembly 410 includes a bottom panel 412 that defines a plurality of keyholes 414 and the washing machine 100 includes a plurality of corresponding studs 450 extending vertically upward from the drain board 105. In the secured configuration, the studs 450 are received by the keyholes 414 such that the studs 450 prevent the mount assembly 410 from moving vertically and inhibit the mount assembly 410 from moving laterally. In this way, the studs 450 secure the mount assembly 410, and thereby the accessory 400, to the washing machine 100. In the unsecured configuration, the studs 450 are received by the keyholes 414 such that the studs 450 do not prevent the mount assembly 410 from moving vertically. In this way, the mount assembly 410 can be easily removed from the washing machine 100 so as to enable the mount assembly 410 and/or the washing machine 100 to be cleaned. In some such embodiments, the mount assembly 410 is moved between the secured and unsecured configurations by translating and/or rotating the mount assembly 410 along a horizontal plane.
Referring to
The selector valve 310 is in fluid communication with a fluid source and is moveable between multiple output configurations such that flow of purging fluid from the fluid source is controlled by the selector valve 310. In some such embodiments, the purging system 300 further includes a selector dial 312 to assist a user in moving the selector valve 310 between configurations and/or to provide an indication of which configuration the selector valve 310 is in, while in other embodiments the selector valve is automated through the use of actuators, solenoids and/or a computer or other suitable controller.
In use, the selector valve 310 is sequentially moved from a first configuration to a last configuration and then back to the first configuration so as to complete a firing sequence, with each configuration representing a firing step. In some embodiments, the selector valve 310 is moved directly from the last configuration to the first configuration to complete the firing sequence. In other embodiments, the selector valve 310 is moved through each intermediate configuration in reverse order from the last configuration to the first configuration to complete the firing sequence. It will be appreciated that in still other embodiments, a firing sequence includes one or more non-sequential firing steps and/or one or more configuration is skipped completely.
In a preferred embodiment, a firing sequence is conducted once while the pump 150 is idle and again while the pump 150 is pumping washing fluid. In some embodiments, the duration of each firing step in a firing sequence is approximately five (5) seconds. In some such embodiments, the duration of the firing step is achieved by a user turning the selector dial 312 to a particular position and dwelling on that position for approximately five (5) seconds. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the duration of one or more firing step of one or more firing sequence is greater than or less than five (5) seconds. It will also be appreciated that, in still other embodiments, one or more additional firing sequences and/or partial firing sequences are conducted while the pump 150 is idle and/or while the pump 150 is pumping washing fluid.
In some embodiments, the purging fluid is tap water and the local tap is the source of the purging fluid for the purging system 300. As such, in some such embodiments, the fluid pressure and fluid flow rate of the purging fluid are approximately equal to respective local water pressure and flow rate. In some such embodiments, the purging fluid is tap water provided at a minimum pressure of fifty (50) pounds per square inch and a minimum flow rate of ten (10) gallons per minute. In other embodiments, the purging fluid is not tap water (for example, in some embodiments, the fluid source is the wash tank) and/or is provided at a pressure and/or at a flow rate other than the local tap water pressure and/or flow rate.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/011,483, filed Jun. 12, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/174,330, filed Jun. 11, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3568935 | Hoffman | Mar 1971 | A |
5775347 | Hoover | Jul 1998 | A |
7246624 | Cantrell et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7578305 | Biggott | Aug 2009 | B2 |
20080011328 | Cantrell | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20110017241 | Cantrell et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20120031432 | Beaudet | Feb 2012 | A1 |
Entry |
---|
LG OTR Microwave—Cleaning the Grease Filters video, dated Mar. 8, 2013, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQa0Oaf1iny. |
International Search Report and the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority, dated Oct. 1, 2015. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20150359407 A1 | Dec 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62011483 | Jun 2014 | US | |
62174330 | Jun 2015 | US |