DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The following invention is related to a portable washing machine, more particularly a washing machine for garments with enhanced washing capability.

Background of the invention

[0002] Portable washing machines can be automated or semi-automated. Automated type comprise of washing container and inbuilt motor with a high spin speed, energy -efficient, low water pressure technology. The semi -automated do not comprise of a container to hold garments but the motor can be affixed to existing water storage containers like buckets, drums. These potable washing machines are affordable to users with lesser garments requirements.

[0003] The primary objective of the conventional portable washing machine is to save space. But this can be a drawback to compromise on the ability of the portable washing machine to meet the ideal space requirements. The other factors need to be considered of the portable washing machine are the capacity which is directly proportional to its size; the consumption of water and electricity; noise control; and built- in water supply mechanism.

[0004] There are existing portable washing machines comprising a pulsator which can be affixed to the rim of washing chamber (like bucket or drum) and when the pulsator is ON it generates turbulent current which spins the water and clothes inside the chamber.

[0005] In application KR20170090892A a portable garments machine which aims to provide the portable washing machine which minimizes volume to improve portability and can also serve as a dehydrating machine.

[0006] Another application CN214089057U discloses a novel small washing machine in which an outer barrel structure is omitted; and the hoisting system as exiting in conventional washing part is omitted. A bottom balance damping system, comprising a structural design of a flexible connecting piece, a damper and the like, is incorporated in the present design, so that the effective proportion of the washing space is increased. [0007] Another application W02012060477A1 is portable washing machine that includes a washing robot positioned in a holding space which holds garments and washing water, and a water supply unit detachably provided to a Water supply portion which supplies the washing water to the holding space.

[0008] Another application IN916KOL2014 is an electrically powered machine used for washing clothes. The machine has detachable legs and does not have any attached container of its own, so it can be fitted into a wide range of standard sized receptacle buckets with the help of its extendable arms. A direct current (D.C) motor provides the required force for washing through rotation of the legs inside the bucket of clothes. These legs provide the required agitation to the clothes by its oscillatory and rotatory action.

[0009] Another application ES231219A1 implement agitation mechanism for portable garments, characterized essentially by a closed casing, equipped on its rear wall with a curved support, with fixing screw for coupling to the edges of the wall of any container, said casing being in its inside a set of pulleys and corresponding transmitting belt, which moves the agitator plate, installed in the lower and outer area of the casing, which, in turn, conducts and supports at its upper end the generator motor of the turning movement.

[0010] The cited patent application and utility models use agitators that occupy more space in the drum. The agitator can sometimes be hard on clothes, cause tears, or stretching. They use more water which can be an issue. The cited applications are portable washing machine but have limitations in design, structure and capacity for washing clothes. The cited washing machines have drawbacks like no complete removal of dirt in short cycles

[0011] There are existing washing machines that ca be attached to a bucket which are pulsator swirling based machines that can rotate the clothes in the bucket and with the force created by the water as a resultant of pulsator rotation the dirt can be removed in better way but not completely. These washing machines also have drawbacks like, spillage of water which can cause short-circuit and no automated water drainage system.

[0012] Accordingly, in order to overcome one or more drawbacks associated with the prior art, there is strong felt a need for an effective, affordable, reliable and portable garments washing machine which is compact in size and can be easily fitted to containers like bucket or drums for washing clothes. The solution should reduce the wash time thereby saving power and water resources.

Object of the invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective, affordable, reliable and portable garments washing machine which facilitates complete removal of dirt in short wash cycles.

[0014] It is yet another object of the portable washing machine to prevent spillage of water which can cause short-circuit.

[0015] It is yet another object of the portable washing machine to provide water management unit which further facilitates water intake and drainage of water from the bucket.

[0016] It is yet another object of the portable washing machine to provide auxiliary washing support members to increase the efficiency of washing with short wash cycle.

[0017] It is yet another object of the portable washing machine to provide inbuilt detergent compartments to enhance ease of access of the washing machine.

Summary of the invention

[0018] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0019] In an aspect of the present invention, the portable garments washing machine comprises a pulsator and two circular disks wherein these pulsator and circular disks are surfaced with projections over a mesh type cover to improve surface area of contact for the clothes to remove the dirt more efficiently. The three rotating structures (1 pulsator and 2 circular disks) can reduce the washing cycle. [0020] In another aspect, the main body of the portable garments washing machine is also surfaced with projection over a mesh type cover to improve the washing efficiency.

[0021] In another aspect, the portable garments washing machine comprises water management unit to facilitate freshwater intake by attaching the inlet channel of the washing machine to the freshwater source. The filling or loading the container like bucket is accomplished by rotating the rotary switch knob of the water management unit.

[0022] In accordance with the present washing machine, the water management unit comprises submersible mini water pump to facilitate discharging of water through water outlet channel. This submersible mini water pump will suck the wastewater and release that wastewater through the water outlet channel.

[0023] In accordance with the present washing machine, the inner circumference of the water outlet channel should be greater that the inner circumference of the submersible mini water pump outlet channel such that the wastewater flow can be controlled while controlling the operation (ON/OFF) of submersible mini water pump through a DC switch which is located on motor dome structure of the washing machine.

[0024] In another aspect the portable washing machine comprises auxiliary washing support members which are rectangular shaped and these support members are surfaced with projections over a mesh type cover to improve surface area of contact for the clothes to remove the dirt more efficiently.

[0025] In accordance with the portable washing machine, auxiliary washing support members are located at the back side of the main body of the washing machine. The user can open and close the auxiliary washing support members to increase the contact surface area for clothes to make the washing more efficiently in less time.

[0026] In accordance with the portable washing machine, the auxiliary washing support members are locked with holders located at top and bottom edges of the auxiliary washing support members. These holders also facilitate the balance of the washing machine with respect to the edge of the container (to wash clothes) to which the washing machine is attached. When the auxiliary washing support members are in open position, the washing machine is inclined at the edge of the container which enhance the balance of the washing machine such that the washing machine do not slide or slip during the wash cycle.

[0027] In another aspect the portable washing machine is provided with additional storage compartment for detergent or soap bar. The user can store the detergent powder in the detergent powder storage box which is located beside the motor dome structure. The detergent powder need to be added manually. Also, the user can store the detergent soap in the detergent soap storage compartment which is located at back surface of the main body of the washing machine. This feature will eliminate the hassle of searching for detergent powder or soap.

[0028] In another aspect the portable garments washing machine is supported by a movable and design adaptable handle which can be used to hold the machine while traveling.

[0029] In another aspect the portable garments washing machine accommodates a lid structure which is elastic in nature and can be expanded to cover the washing container during the working of the machine which prevents any spillage of water. In another aspect a hallow cylindrical structure with an opening end can be used to store and protect the machine after the completion of the washing from any damages and can be maintained well while travelling.

Brief description of the drawings

[0030] These features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated by reviewing the following description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts. Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate, not limit, the scope, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:

[0031] Fig la is the left side view of the portable garments washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

Fig lb is the right-side view of the portable garments washing machine along with the hallow cylindrical structure for the main body of the machine.

[0032] Fig 2a is the back view of the washing machine depicting pulley system of the portable garments washing machine in accordance with the present invention. Fig 2b is the back view of the washing machine depicting storage compartment for detergent

[0033] Fig 3a is the front view of the main body of the portable garments washing machine when the auxiliary washing support members are in close position.

Fig 3b is the bottom view of the main body when the auxiliary washing support members are in close position.

[0034] Fig 4a is the left side view of the main body of the portable garments washing machine surfaced with projections over a mesh type cover.

Fig 4b is the exploded view of the circular discs and pulsator surfaced with projections over a mesh type cover

[0035] Fig 5a is the back view of the washing machine wherein auxiliary washing support members are in close position.

Fig 5b is the back view of the washing machine wherein auxiliary washing support members are in open position.

[0036] Fig 6 a, b, c depicts the sliding mechanism of the auxiliary washing support members from close to open position in accordance with the present washing machine.

[0037] Fig 7a is the front view of the main body of the portable garments washing machine when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position.

Fig 7b is the bottom view of the main body when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position.

[0038] Fig 8 is the cross-sectional view of the storage compartment and water inlet and outlet channels.

[0039] Fig 9 is the cross-sectional view of the water management unit of the machine in accordance with the present portable garments washing machine.

[0040] Fig 10 is the perspective view of the lid structure in accordance with the present portable garments washing machine. [0041] Fig 11 is the working model depicting the water intake through inlet channel before washing in accordance with the present washing machine.

[0042] Fig 12 is the working model depicting the water discharge from the outlet channel during wash cycle in accordance with the present washing machine.

[0043] Fig 13a is the front view of the main body of the of alternate embodiment of portable garments washing machine when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position. Fig 13b is the bottom view of the main body of alternate embodiment when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position.

[0044] The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments of systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent an example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another and vice versa. Furthermore, the elements may not be drawn to scale.

Description of the invention

[0045] The present disclosure is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments have been discussed with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions provided herein with respect to the figures are merely for explanatory purposes, as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0046] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0047] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. The term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques, and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the technology described herein.

[0048] The present invention is related to a portable garment washing machine with improved structural aspects to overcome the drawbacks in efficiency of washing the garments in short wash cycles.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment of the preset invention, the portable garments washing machine comprises a pulsator and two circular disks wherein these pulsator and circular disks are surfaced with projections over a mesh type cover to improve surface area of contact for the clothes to remove the dirt more efficiently. The three rotating structures (a pulsator and 2 circular disks) can reduce the washing cycle.

The projection and mesh type cover generates friction to enhance the rubbing efficiency between the surface of the machine and the clothes. The main body of the portable garments washing machine is also surfaced with projection over a mesh type cover to improve the washing efficiency.

[0050] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the portable garments washing machine comprises water management unit to facilitate freshwater intake by attaching the inlet channel of the washing machine to the freshwater source. The filling or loading the container like bucket is accomplished by rotating the rotary switch knob of the water management unit. The water management unit comprises submersible mini water pump to facilitate discharging of water through water outlet channel. This submersible mini water pump will suck the wastewater and release that wastewater through the water outlet channel. [0051] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the portable washing machine comprises auxiliary washing support members which are rectangular shaped and these support members are surfaced with projections over a mesh type cover to improve surface area of contact for the clothes to remove the dirt more efficiently. The auxiliary washing support members are located at the back side of the main body of the washing machine. The user can open and close the auxiliary washing support members to increase the contact surface area for clothes to make the washing more efficiently in less time.

[0052] Referring to Fig la is the left side view of the portable garments washing machine 100 in accordance with the present invention. The machine 100 comprises motor dome 101 and a main body 102. The motor dome comprises of a motor and water management unit 103 comprising inlet and outlet channels. An additional compartment 112 for storing detergent is located beside the dome structure 101.

[0053] The main body 102 is an elongated surface housing two circular discs 104 and a pulsator

105 wherein the circular discs 104 and the pulsator 105 are arranged in longitudinal along the length of the main body 102. The three rotating structures a pulsator 105 and two circular disks 104 can reduce the washing cycle. Eliminating more pulsators and replacing them with circular discs can prevent clothes damage.

[0054] A pair of freshwater inlet sub channels 108 are extended at the top portion of the main body 102. The bottom portion of the main body 102 comprises a submersible mini water pump

106 to facilitate discharge of water through water outlet channel located at the back portion of the main body. This submersible mini water pump 106 will generate suction force such that the wastewater is wastewater is sucked and released through the water outlet channel 107. The inner circumference of the water outlet channel 107 should be greater that the inner circumference of the submersible mini water pump 106 outlet channel such that the wastewater flow can be controlled while controlling the operation (ON/OFF) of submersible mini water pump through a DC switch which is located on motor dome structure of the washing machine.

[0055] The top portion of the main body 102 houses a lid structure 109 which is elastic in nature and can be expanded to cover the washing container during the working of the machine which prevents any spillage of water. The lid structure 109 is a flexible structure which can shrink and stretch.

[0056] The portable garments washing machine 100 is supported by a movable and design adaptable handle 110 which can be used to attach the machine 100 to external container to carry water and clothes to achieve washing effectively. The handle 110 can facilitate the user to hold the machine 100 while traveling.

[0057] Referring to Fig lb is the right-side view of the portable garments washing machine along with the hallow cylindrical structure 111 with an opening end can be used to store and protect the main body 102 of the machine 100 after the completion of the washing from any damages and can be maintained well while travelling.

[0058] Referring to Fig 2a is the back view of the washing machine 200 depicting pulley system 201 of the portable garments washing machine in accordance with the present invention. The auxiliary washing support members are in closed position which are rectangular shaped. Fig 2b is the back view of the washing machine depicting storage compartment 203 for detergent or soap bar and a rotatory knob 204 to open and close the compartment 203. The back portion also comprises the inlet 205 and outlet 206 channels for water.

[0059] The back portion of the motor dome comprises operating switches like main motors speed controller 207 which can be resistance variable voltage regulator and a DC ON /OFF switch (push button) 208 to control the operation of the submersible mini water pump.

[0060] Referring to Fig 3a is the front view of the main body of the portable garments washing machine when the auxiliary washing support members are in close position. The main body 301 is an elongated surface housing two circular discs 302 and a pulsator 303 wherein the circular discs 302 and the pulsator 303 are arranged in longitudinal along the length of the main body 301. As shown in the Fig 3a these pulsator 303 and circular disks 302 are surfaced with projections 304 over a mesh type cover 305 to improve surface area of contact for the clothes to remove the dirt more efficiently. The projection 304 and mesh type cover 305 generates friction to enhance the rubbing efficiency between the surface of the machine and the clothes. The main body 301 of the portable garments washing machine is also surfaced with projection 305 over a mesh type cover 305 to improve the washing efficiency. The water can be filled into a container, through circumferential inlet channel ends 307 of the inlet channel when the washing machine is attached to a container to carry water and clothes.

[0061] Referring to Fig 3b is the bottom view of the main body when the auxiliary washing support members are in close position. The auxiliary washing support members are supported in open and close position by holders 306 located at top and bottom edges of the auxiliary washing support members.

[0062] Referring to Fig 4a is the left side view of the main body 403 of the portable garments washing machine surfaced all over with projections 401 over a mesh type cover 402. Fig 4b is the exploded view of the circular discs 404 and pulsator 405 surfaced all over with projections 401 over a mesh type cover 402.

[0063] Referring to Fig 5a is the back view of the washing machine wherein auxiliary washing support members 501 are in close position and in Fig 5b the auxiliary washing support members 501 are in open position. Each auxiliary washing support members 501 is supported by top holder 502 a, b and bottom holder 503 a, b located on top and bottom edge of the auxiliary washing support members 501. The back portion also comprises the inlet 504 and outlet 505 channels for water.

[0064] In accordance with the present washing machine the auxiliary washing support members 501 have flexible surface to adjust to the inner circumference surface of the container.

[0065] Referring Fig 6 depicts the sliding mechanism of the auxiliary washing support members 601 from close (6a) to open position (6c) wherein, the auxiliary washing support members 601 slide outwards (represented as 604) through the hollow structured holders (602 a,b), (603 a,b) affixed at top and bottom edges of the auxiliary washing support members 601. The user can be hold at the projected holder 605 to slide the washing support members 601 in outward direction thereby increasing contact surface area for the clothes to enhance efficiency of washing in short wash cycles.

[0066] Referring to Fig 7a is the preferred embodiment wherein the auxiliary washing support members 701 are in open position. The main body is an elongated surface housing two circular discs and a pulsator wherein the main body is extended in surface area when the auxiliary washing support members 701 are expanded. As shown in the Fig 7a the auxiliary washing support members 701 are also surfaced all over with projections 702 over a mesh type cover 703 to improve surface area of contact for the clothes to remove the dirt more efficiently. The projections 702 over a mesh type cover 703 also generates friction to enhance the rubbing efficiency between the surface of the machine and the clothes. The main body of the portable garments washing machine is also surfaced projections 702 over a mesh type cover 703 to improve the washing efficiency.

[0067] Referring to Fig 7b is the bottom view of the main body when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position. The auxiliary washing support members are supported in open and close position by holders 704 located at top and bottom edges of the auxiliary washing support members.

[0068] Referring to Fig 8 is the cross-sectional view of storage compartment 801 for detergent or soap bar and a rotatory knob 802 to open and close the compartment 801. The inlet channel 803 can be further connected to one end of an external hose or pipe to pump water from taps through other end of the hose or pipe. The outlet channel 804 for water facilitates discharge of wastewater from the container containing clothes and water. The proximal end of the outlet channel 804 is connected to the submersible mini water pump outlet. The inner circumference of the outlet channel 804 should be greater that the inner circumference of the submersible mini water pump outlet channel such that the wastewater flow can be controlled while controlling the operation (ON/OFF) of submersible mini water pump through a DC switch which is located on motor dome structure of the washing machine.

[0069] Referring to Fig 9 is the cross-sectional view of the water management unit 900 of the machine in accordance with the present portable garments washing machine. The water management unit 900 comprises of water inlet channel 901 which extends into two sub channels 902 and water outlet channel 903. The water is flown through proximal end of the water inlet channel 901 located at back surface of the machine which is connected to external hose or water pipe and water is flown into the container through circumferential sub channel 902 ends. When the submersible mini water pump 106 is powered ON it will generate suction force such that the wastewater is sucked and released through the water outlet channel 903. [0070] Referring to Fig 10 is the perspective view of the lid structure in accordance with the present portable garments washing machine. The lid structure comprises of a covering material 1001 which is supported by a rib structure 1002. The covering material 1001 can be stretchable all over the opening of the container and can be secured firmly around the container circumferential opening. The covering material 1001 can have a mesh type surface as shown in fig 10 and the objective of the covering material 1001 is to prevent spillage of water from the container thereby preventing any occurrence of short circuit or electric shock. The covering material 1001 can be made of elastic nylon fabric. The rib structure 1002 can be made of nylon material, ABS plastic and the like.

[0071] Referring to Fig 11 is the working model depicting the water intake through inlet channel 1101 before washing in accordance with the present washing machine 1102. The inlet channel 1101 can be further connected to one end of an external hose or pipe to pump water from taps through other end of the hose or pipe (as shown in the fig 11). The water is flown into the container 1104 through circumferential sub channel 1103 ends.

[0072] Referring to Fig 12 is the working model depicting the water discharge from the outlet channel 1201 during the wash cycle in accordance with the present washing machine. The outlet channel 1201 for water facilitates discharge of wastewater from the container containing clothes and water by generating suction force F. The proximal end of the outlet channel 1201 is connected to the submersible mini water pump 1202 outlet. The inner circumference of the outlet channel 1201 should be greater that the inner circumference of the submersible mini water pump 1202 outlet channel such that the wastewater flow can be controlled while controlling the operation (ON/OFF) of submersible mini water pump through a DC switch which is located on motor dome structure of the washing machine, the top opening portion of the container 1204 is covered with the lid structure 1203 to prevent spillage of water from the container thereby preventing any occurrence of short circuit or electric shock.

[0073] In accordance with Fig 11 and 12, the auxiliary washing support members are locked with holders located at top and bottom edges of the auxiliary washing support members. These holders also facilitate the balance of the washing machine with respect to the edge of the container (to wash clothes) to which the washing machine is attached. When the auxiliary washing support members are in open position, the washing machine is inclined at the edge of the container which enhance the balance of the washing machine such that the washing machine do not slide or slip during the wash cycle.

[0074] The detergent powder need to be added manually as shown in fig 11. Also, the user can store the detergent soap in the detergent soap storage compartment which is located at back surface of the main body of the washing machine. This feature will eliminate the hassle of searching for detergent powder or soap.

[0075] In accordance with an alternate embodiment as depicted in Fig 13a is the front view of the main body of the portable garments washing machine when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position. The main body is an elongated surface housing two circular discs and a pulsator wherein the main body is extended in surface area when the auxiliary washing support members are expanded. As shown in the Fig 13 a the auxiliary washing support members are also surfaced all over with bristles 1301 to improve washing efficiency of clothes by remove the dirt in short wash cycles. The bristles 1301 also generates friction to enhance the rubbing efficiency between the bristles 1301 and the clothes. The main body of the portable garments washing machine is also surfaced bristles 1301to improve the washing efficiency. Fig 13b is the bottom view of the main body of alternate embodiment when the auxiliary washing support members are in open position. The auxiliary washing support members are supported in open and close position by holders located at top and bottom edges of the auxiliary washing support members.

[0076] In accordance with all the embodiment of the portable washing machine, the projections (304, 702) can be semi-circular, hemispherical, ovular in shape to generate friction to enhance the rubbing efficiency between the surface of the machine and the clothes.

[0077] In accordance with all the embodiment of the portable washing machine, the mesh type cover (305, 703) can be fabricated with materials like nylon mesh and the like.

[0078] Features described as separate implementations may be implemented, in combination, in a single implementation, while features described as a single implementation may be implemented in multiple implementations, separately, or in any suitable sub-combination. Operations or processes or methods described and claimed in a particular order should not be understood as requiring that the particular order, nor that all illustrated operations must be performed (some operations can be optional). As appropriate, multitasking or parallelprocessing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel-processing) can be performed.

[0079] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0080] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms enclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention, provided they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Dated: 1 May 2022