DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning apparatus and particularly to cleaning apparatus employing fluid jets for cleaning.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly, if referenced, is prior art.
[0003] Conventionally available cleaning apparatus can be used only for the intended purpose. For instance, there are dishwashers for cleaning utensils, cleaning apparatus for cleaning windows, bathing animals, carpet cleaning and the like.
[0004] Particularly, cleaning apparatus for dish washing are available for commercial and domestic use. Such cleaning apparatus are generally very bulky and require substantial floor space or counter space. Besides being bulky, conventionally available dishwashers are designed to operate at selected capacity irrespective of the number of utensils loaded into the dishwasher. This causes a lot of wastage of water and electricity.
[0005] Furthermore, it is often noted that efficiency of cleaning is not guaranteed especially if utensils have contours where water or cleaning solution may not reach adequately either due to the shape of the utensil or the way in which the utensil was placed in the dishwasher necessitating cleaning of the utensil manually even after cleaning it in the dishwasher. Positioning of utensils in the dishwasher also is a critical aspect that user needs to address, to at least try and achieve effective cleaning of every utensil.
[0006] Application of traditional dishwashers is also limited to cleaning utensils that are particularly designed for safe use in dishwashers. It is not possible to clean certain types of plastics or wooden utensils in dishwashers. Again dishwashers require complex plumbing arrangements that can be cumbersome and expensive to install.
[0007] Thus, limited application of the cleaning apparatus for the cost incurred reduces cost effectiveness of the apparatus.

[0008] There is therefore a need to develop cost effective, efficient multipurpose cleaning apparatus that at least addresses the above mentioned drawbacks of conventional cleaning apparatus.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ergonomic cleaning apparatus.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost effective cleaning apparatus.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient cleaning apparatus.
[0013] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that can cater to any amount of load.
[0014] A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a multipurpose cleaning apparatus.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that involves negligible running cost.
[0016] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that is compact and portable.
[0017] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that consumes water and electricity to the extent required by the amount of load.
[0018] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that can safely clean any type of load without necessitating any modifications therein.
[0019] A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that does not involve elaborate, complex and expensive plumbing requirements.
[0020] An additional object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus that does not provide restriction on the size, shape or placement of load to be cleaned.

SUMMARY
[0021] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning apparatus and particularly to cleaning apparatus employing fluid jets for cleaning.
[0022] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus comprising a wearable implement provided with a fluid solution outlet for emitting a fluid, wherein the wearable implement can be configured to be coupled to user’s hand via a securing means without a need for the user to grasp the wearable implement; and a housing configured with a water compartment and a soap solution compartment, wherein the housing is coupled with the wearable implement through a means that enables flow of a desired amount of water and soap from the water compartment and the soap solution compartment respectively.
[0023] In an aspect, the desired amount of water and soap, in combination, forms the fluid that is emitted from the fluid solution outlet of the wearable implement. In another aspect, the wearable implement can include an attachment such as any or a combination of a scrubber or a sponge or a cleaning agent.
[0024] In an aspect, the desired amount of water and soap can be sucked from the water compartment and the soap solution compartment by means of a suction device to enable supply of the desired amount of water and soap to the wearable implement.
[0025] In another aspect, the water compartment can be associated with a water level indicator, and wherein the soap solution compartment can be associated with a soap solution indicator. The water compartment can further include a heating element to heat water in the water compartment, wherein the heating element can be coupled with a PLC to control the extent of water heating. The heating element can further be operatively coupled with a flow enhancing device that pressurizes heated water from the water compartment.
[0026] In an aspect, the wearable implement can include a toggle switch that allows for selection of any or a combination of only water flow, only soap solution flow, a combination of water and soap flow, and no flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary construction of the proposed cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2A represents an isometric/photographic representation of the proposed cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 2B shows exemplary working of the proposed cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2C shows exemplary representation of the wearable implement in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Ergonomic cleaning apparatus, in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0032] The description hereinafter, of the specific embodiment will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiment herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiment. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0034] The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0035] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements, as the use may be in one of the embodiments to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
[0036] The numerical values, if mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
[0037] The term “load” referred herein applies to but is not limited to utensil(s), person(s), animal(s), things like window(s), fabrics, and the like that need to be cleaned.
[0038] The term “user” referred herein applies to but is not limited to any person, individual, machine or robot intending to clean “load” as defined herein above.
[0039] The term “hand” referred herein applies to distal end of an arm belonging to “user” as defined herein above, the “hand” being a part that engages with the cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure.
[0040] The present disclosure, in a broad aspect provides a multipurpose, ergonomic, portable cleaning apparatus that can include a wearable implement having at least one surface provided with at least one spray nozzle for emitting fluid, the wearable implement being configured to be coupled to user’s hand without need for user to grasp the wearable implement.
[0041] In accordance with an embodiment, the wearable implement is ambidextrous.
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment, the wearable implement can be configured to conform to human hand and user can insert hand into the wearable implement with fingers provided thereon like a hand glove.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment, the wearable implement is coupled to user’s hand by securing means. In accordance with an embodiment, the securing means can be detached from the wearable implement. In accordance with an embodiment, securing means can be made of resilient material. In accordance with an embodiment, securing means can be adjustable. In accordance with an embodiment, securing means can be one or more combinations of strap, belt, clamp, band, hook, buttons, buckle, pin and the like.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment, the wearable implement can be coupled to at least one system or sub system configured for various purposes including providing fluid to be emitted from the wearable implement.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment, the wearable implement can be provided with actuating means configured to control fluid through at least one spray nozzle. In accordance with an embodiment, the control of fluid by actuating means can include at least control of the quantity of fluid, pressure of fluid, properties of fluid such as temperature, pH levels, and the like. In accordance with an embodiment, actuating means can be configured to differentially control the spray nozzles. In accordance with an embodiment, actuating means can be manual or automated. In accordance with an embodiment, actuating means can be configured to receive sensor based inputs. For instance, the sensor based inputs can be any input means including voice signal, retinal scan, manually fed input such as keyboard or touch pad input or an output of an algorithm or process receiving signals from at least one sensor. In accordance with an embodiment, manual actuating means can include push buttons, switches, touch pads, keyboards and the like. In accordance with an embodiment, automated actuating means can include one or more processes or steps carried out by involving use of an electronic device or a data processing device or sensors or microcontrollers or a PLC (Programmable logic controller) or a PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller, or a combination thereof, which may further involve one or more predefined algorithms or programs or logic. In accordance with an embodiment, actuating means can be configured to be operable by movement of at least one finger.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment, at least one surface of the wearable implement can be provided with at least one spray nozzle for emitting hot water. In accordance with an embodiment, at least one surface of the wearable implement can be provided with at least one spray nozzle for emitting cleaning solution. In accordance with an embodiment, at least one surface of the wearable implement can be provided with at least one spray nozzle for emitting hot air for drying the cleaned load.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment, the wearable implement can be further configured to be attachable to cleaning accessories including scrubbers, sponge, cleaning agents in solid form such as detergent bars, and the like.
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment, components or parts of the cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure can be coated, painted or coloured with a suitable chemical to retain or improve its properties, or to improve the aesthetics or appearance.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment, the cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure can be started and stopped as per requirement at any time during the cleaning cycle. Alternatively, start /stop control can be configured automatically based on load.
[0050] Unlike traditional dishwashers, the ergonomic cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure can be used to clean even a single utensil, thereby reducing wastage of water, electricity and time. Again, since the direction of the spray nozzles is controlled by the user’s hand, cleaning efficiency is maximum irrespective of the shape, size or number of utensils being cleaned. The ergonomic feature also provides better maneuverability to user for further enhancing efficiency of cleaning.
[0051] In accordance with an embodiment, the cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure can be powered by electric energy, solar energy, wind energy, Power Take Off (PTO) or a combination thereof.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 1that illustrates an exemplary construction of the proposed cleaning apparatus 100, the present disclosure discloses to a cleaning apparatus 100 that includes a stand-alone tabletop device, connecting pipes, and a wearable implement 200, wherein the tabletop device (also interchangeably referred to as machine/system hereinafter) can include a housing 2 having a heating element 17, a flow enhancing device 16 (also interchangeably referred to as pressure booster pump 16 hereinafter), a soap solution container/compartment 6 to store liquid soap solution (coming in from soap solution inlet 1), and a suction device 7 (interchangeably referred to as an eductor/ejector nozzle 7 hereinafter).
[0053] In an aspect, the wearable implement 200 can include a securing means 11, a toggle switch 14 (for instance a four-way valve), a fluid solution outlet 13, and optionally a scrubber/sponge or any other suitable non-limiting attachment 12.
[0054] In an exemplary implementation, a water inlet pipe 5 can be connected to a tap/water outlet 10 in the kitchen and takes water from inlet 9. For instance, up to two litres of water can be stored in a water compartment/container 3, which container 3 can further optionally include a heating element 17 configured to heat the water in the container 3. Heated water from the water container 3 can be pressurized by a flow enhancing device 16, which can supply the heated water to the wearable implement 200 via the suction device/educator nozzle7. The suction device/eductor/ejector nozzle 7 can also be configured to suck the soap solution (stored in soap solution compartment 6) and mix it thoroughly with the hot water providing pressurized hot soap water.
[0055] In an aspect, the wearable implement 200 can include a toggle switch 14 (implemented, for instance as a spring loaded four way valve 14), wherein output from the suction device 7 can enter this valve such that valve lever (not shown) can allow for selection of any or a combination of only water flow, only soap solution flow, a combination of water and soap, and no flow. The default position will be ‘no flow’. To ensure no reverse flow into the soap solution compartment 6 from the suction device 7, a one-way valve can be installed at the suction side of the suction device 7.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the proposed cleaning apparatus 100 can be electrically powered through an electrical inlet 8. The apparatus 100 can further include a thermostat 18 in the water compartment 3, and a water level indicator 19 also in the water compartment 3. In an exemplary implementation, a soap solution indicator 20 can also be configured in the apparatus 100 to measure the level of soap in the soap solution compartment 6. In an aspect, the apparatus 100 can further include an On/Off switch 21.
[0057] In an aspect, the housing 2 serves the purpose of securing all internal components such as flow enhancing device 16, water compartment 3, soap solution compartment 6, suction device 7, PLC 4, piping such as pipe 5, electrical wiring, switches or any other component. In an aspect, the housing 2 can be made using any plastic or metal component, all of which possible implementations are well within the scope of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the housing 2 can include switch 21 to turn on/turn off the apparatus 100, and can further include one or more ports for the inlet/outlet of fluid and electrical wiring. The housing 2 may rest on roller wheels, rubber pads, suction cups, etc such as 15, and can include a lid at the top/bottom/side to facilitate serviceability and inspection. The housing 2 may further include an opening to insert cleaning agent, wherein the housing can be coated with a suitable material to prevent corrosion and any other surface damage.
[0058] In an aspect, water compartment 3 can be of any shape that may enclose a heating element 17. The compartment 3 can be configured such that it can store sufficient water for the intended purpose, and can made of a suitable material to prevent damage from heated water/heating element 17. The compartment 3 can include an inlet port 9 and an outlet port 10 for the flow of water.
[0059] In an aspect, heating element 17 can be made of a suitable material including but not limited to, copper, ceramic, chromium, nickel, nichrome, polymer, composites, etc. The element 17 can be coil shaped, spiral shaped, grill plate, solid plate or any other shape of the like. The element 17 can further be placed on the base of the water compartment 3 or along the walls or anywhere in the volume of the water compartment. The element 17 may be coupled with temperature sensors and a PLC 4 to automatically cut off supply to it in case of excessive heating of water. Furthermore, in an aspect, heating element 17 may be coated with a suitable material to prevent corrosion and any other surface damage, and may be such that both assembly and disassembly maybe easily achieved.
[0060] In another aspect, soap solution compartment 6 can include a compartment of any shape that may store cleaning agent (including but not limited to soap, detergent, or any other suitable formulation), wherein the compartment 6 can be such that liquid and solid form of cleaning agent could be used. In an aspect, to the soap solution inlet 1, a cleaning agent can be added and an outlet port can be configured for dispensing it. In an aspect, shape of the compartment 6 can be configured such that a suction device 7 can be used in conjunction. The compartment 6 can be or can include a detachable compartment to facilitate it’s cleaning.
[0061] In an aspect, the proposed apparatus 100 can include a flow enhancing device 16 such as a pump 16 that may be a motorized device that runs on AC or DC voltage. Alternatively, the pump 16 can be an ordinary pump or a booster pump or submersible pump or any other relevant type of pump such that it creates sufficient pressure to perform the intended task such as cleaning and to extract cleaning agent from the soap solution compartment 6 and/or from water compartment 3.
[0062] In an aspect, the proposed apparatus 100 can include a Programmable logic controller (PLC) 4 or a proportional integral derivative controller that may be used in conjunction with various sensors and switches to provide different operating modes. The PLC 4 may be used to automatically cut off supply to the heating element in case of excessive heating.
[0063] In an aspect, suction device 7 can be made of plastic or metal or any other suitable material, wherein the suction device 7 may be an electronically/manually/mechanically controlled device to extract soap solution from the soap solution compartment 6 and mix it with the water stream coming in from the water compartment 3. In an aspect, the device 7 may be capable of providing variable flow rate of the extracted fluid as per the requirement.
[0064] In an aspect, the proposed apparatus 100 can include a plurality of connecting pipes to facilitate fluid flow throughout the apparatus 100, wherein the pipes, in an exemplary aspect, may be either rigid or flexible or both across their entire volume.
[0065] FIG. 2A represents an isometric/photographic representation of the proposed cleaning apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the device/apparatus 100, with reference to FIG. 2A, shows a flap 202 for refilling soap and/or water, one or more vents 204 for ventilation and to prevent heating of the apparatus, an On/Off Switch 21, a water inlet 9, a water outlet 10, and an electrical inlet/power socket 8. The representation further shows soap water indicator 20. The wearable implement 200, as shown, can include a strap/securing means 11 to tighten the grip, a scrubber such as a Nylon scrubber 12 and/or a natural fiber scrubber 12.
[0066] FIG. 2B shows exemplary working of the proposed cleaning apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein as can be seen, the apparatus 100 can be first switched on, and the wearable implement 200 can be put/engaged on the user’s hand so as to then use the scrubber/cleaning mechanism configured on the wearable implement 200 to be used for cleaning one or more loads. In an aspect, toggle switch 14 can be used to change pressure of the water and soap solution. Means can further be provided to enable, upon actuation of a button/interface icon, change in water temperature. Furthermore, other attachments can also be configured with the wearable implement 200 to enable, for instance, cleaning of bottle, glass, or any other type of load.
[0067] FIG. 2C shows exemplary representation of the wearable implement 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the wearable implement 200 can include a water/water and soap solution/fluid solution inlet 10 (water outlet for the main chamber/housing 2) from where either or a combination of soap and water is received by the wearable implement 200. The implement 200 can further include a natural fiber scrubber 12 and/or a scrubber 12 that can, for instance, rotate when high pressure water flows through a blade. As shown, the wearable implement 200 can further include a turn 250 for inclusion of or change in volume of soap water. Any other means/buttons/turns/mechanisms can be incorporated to change the temperature of water, composition of soap/cleaning solution + water, volume/speed thereof, or any other parameters to enable desired cleaning.
[0068] In an aspect, the proposed cleaning device/apparatus can be used for properly sanitizing different types of utensils/intended cleaning objects as the device is capable of supplying the cleaning fluid at a temperature set/configured by the user.
[0069] Although the present disclosure has been described with the purpose of cleaning utensils, it should be appreciated that the same has been done merely to illustrate the invention in an exemplary manner and any other purpose or function such as cleaning utensils, windows, animals, and the like for which above explained structure or configuration can be used, is covered within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0070] In addition to the embodiments and examples described, numerous variants are possible, which may be obvious to a person skilled in the art relating to the aspects of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The present disclosure provides an ergonomic cleaning apparatus.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a cost effective cleaning apparatus.
[0073] The present disclosure provides an efficient cleaning apparatus.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that can cater to any amount of load.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a multipurpose cleaning apparatus.
[0076] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that involves negligible running cost.
[0077] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that is compact and portable.
[0078] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that consumes water and electricity to the extent required by the amount of load.
[0079] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that can safely clean any type of load without necessitating any modifications therein.
[0080] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that does not involve elaborate, complex and expensive plumbing requirements.
[0081] The present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus that does not provide restriction on the size, shape or placement of load to be cleaned.
,CLAIMS:1. A cleaning apparatus (100), said apparatus (100) comprising:
a wearable implement (200) provided with a fluid solution outlet (13) for emitting a fluid to clean a load, said the wearable implement (200) being configured to be coupled to user’s hand via a securing means (11) without a need for the user to grasp the wearable implement (200); and
a housing (2) configured with a water compartment (3) and a soap solution compartment (6), wherein the housing (2) is coupled with the wearable implement (200) through a means (10) that enables flow of a desired amount of water and soap from the water compartment (3) and the soap solution compartment (6) respectively.
2. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the desired amount of water and soap, in combination, forms the fluid that is emitted from the fluid solution outlet (13) of the wearable implement (200).
3. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the wearable implement (200) comprises an attachment (12).
4. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 3, wherein the attachment (12) is selected from any or a combination of a scrubber or a sponge or a cleaning agent.
5. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the desired amount of water and soap is sucked from the water compartment (3) and the soap solution compartment (6) by means of a suction device (7) to enable supply of the desired amount of water and soap to the wearable implement (200).
6. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the water compartment (3) is associated with a water level indicator (19), and wherein the soap solution compartment (6) is associated with a soap solution indicator (20).
7. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the water compartment (3) comprises a heating element (17) to heat water in the water compartment (3).
8. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 7, wherein the heating element (17) is coupled with a thermostat and a PLC (4) to control the extent of water heating.
9. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 7, wherein the water compartment (3) is operatively coupled with a flow enhancing device (16) that pressurizes heated water from the water compartment (3).
10. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the wearable implement 200 comprises a toggle switch (14) that allows for selection of any or a combination of only water flow, only soap solution flow, a combination of water and soap flow, and no flow.
11. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the fluid is supplied from the wearable implement (200) at a temperature that is configurable by the user.